HPH Hospice Volunteer Stories Booklet

hands that serv

e hands that care hand

s that se

rve

Volunteer Storiesyour stories


2

This book is dedicated to all of our volunteers.

For all that you have done.

For the lives you have touched.

For the difference you have made.

With love,

The Volunteer Department


3

What Volunteering for Hospice Means to Me - A Selfish Pleasure

Margie ParkerAs soon as I learned to read, I was thrilled with stories. Fairy tales would transform me into a charming princess while soft swirling music would revolve around inside my head. I didn't grow up to be Cinderella, but stories are still some of my most favorite things. Please keep reading as this little personal aside has a point.

It was quite a lightning jolt to be diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43. (Actually it's not thrilling news at any age.) After the initial shockwave subsided, I withdrew into myself for a while. Death is not a real clever choice of topic when trying to create stimulating conversation with friends or family. During this time period, before dropping off to sleep each night, I'd mentally stroll over to what I had nicknamed The Cliff. Learning over a rocky cliff edge and peering down into the way-down-there darkness was scary at first, but then I began to get really nosey about what was behind all that blackness. Eventually I became comfortable with the concept of dying and discovering what would happen during the next chapter of my own fairy tale.

Obviously, I survived. My emotional ease with those about to float off The Cliff made joining the hospice team a perfect fit. My "job" as a volunteer is to give the patient's caretaker a few hours of respite. I drive to a patient's home and guess what? I get to hear their stories. Great stories. Each one is unique. After all these years, I am still thrilled with stories.


4

Barbara DeCeckVolunteering has been something I've wanted to do for some time now, but for one reason or another I never got the chance to do it.

After the sudden passing of my husband this past May, I thought, "Now I can do it". I guess I had two reasons for wanting to do it, one selfish. I wanted to do something for my community and also needed to fill my days and so I thought this would be perfect.

I knew I was not ready to deal directly with the patients, but I also knew that I could be of good use to the office staff since this is my professional background. I never realized how blessed I would be with the opportunity of working with Sheena. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with, and for, me and I have enjoyed working with her every moment.

These past six months have been so totally fulfilling and I hope I have been of service to HPH. I should say, "we have been great for each other." Thank you so much for this opportunity.


5

Jodi L. JonesThe first time I saw someone die was when I was 13. My sister and I were walking to my grandparent’s house; when we arrived my grandmother was lying on the floor with my grandfather frantically performing CPR. Time stood still. I witnessed the animal instinct humans have to hold on to life and fight to go on. Even now as I think of that breath of a moment my grandfather tried to give back to his wife, I can feel the emotion rise in my throat and tears flow from my eyes.

From that day forward, I feared anything that hinted of death. I am still ashamed to admit it, but I avoided visiting my sick grandfather in the nursing home during his last few months of life. It was as if death were a contagious disease. To be confronted with the smell and sights of dying people was devastating. I let him die alone - or, at least without seeing me again.

I danced around death and dying well into my twenties when I finally decided to examine it. Along this journey of discovery, I found out about hospice and the genuine, caring way they provide for a person with a terminal illness as well as for the family. Hospice made the process of dying natural.

Instead of using drugs in an effort to fight painfully toward extending life, hospice lends comfort.

When I was finally ready to join hospice, I was honored to be able to provide the indescribable to those who need it most. Just a few weeks ago, I sat in peace with a woman who could only barely utter “I’m scared.” I sang to her, prayed with her and told her with complete conviction of my heart and soul that she is, and will be, okay. When I left she struggled for a minute to be able to say one word, “grateful.” This is one of the many reasons I volunteer; I think of it as a gift my grandfather gave to me and to others. At hospice, no one dies alone.


6

Sharron KenyonIt was right before Christmas. I was scheduled at the Hospice House kitchen and stopped in Belks to shop for a few items. Then I started to cry and had to leave, as it was bad day; I had lost my mother May 30th of that year. I was teary-eyed as I came in. I was drawn to a resident who needed some attention; in fact she needed a lot of care that day and she reminded me very much of my mom. I became so engrossed in helping her that it soothed my sad feelings. I still think she was a angel providing me comfort that day. She passed away shortly after. Most of us receive much more than we give, volunteering at hospice. I think of it as nourishment for the soul.


7

Richard E. AllardMy volunteer experience was activated by a good example from hospice. My first wife died after a long battle with colon cancer at the age of 47. Hospice provided guidance and help in coping with the 12 months of challenges I encountered. I learned that, as proud as we were, we did not readily accept help from strangers. I was the caregiver at home with the wife the last 8 months, being granted sick leave from my employment. I know first hand what it feels like to be isolated with a sick mate 24/7.

The four hours of relief from the caregiver task was to become a blessing I looked forward to, and it became more meaningful than any trip or vacation I have ever taken before or since. I became a cook and house manager for the first time at the age of 51. I also learned how to give sponge baths because she did not want strangers doing it. I learned how to smile and to say “yes dear” when my meals or service was not up to par, and was told to please improve soon. Our doctor had warned me that a patient on morphine was like a drunk under the influence. A “yes dear“ was the recommended reply for any disagreements or problems.

Now, when I sit with a patient who is dying, I truly feel more sympathy for the caregivers who are there 24/7, and cold sober in their everyday challenges. I remind them when I relieve them and they are ready to leave their home to take a well-deserved break that I am not on the clock, and if they need a few extra minutes to do their errands, it’s OK with me. I would never say,” I know how you feel.” I often think back at days when I received help, and feel truly blessed that I am now able to emulate past hospice volunteers.


8

HOWARD

Paula HaydonSometimes, we think we know a person and are ready to put him in one of our “life experience” compartments. We usually base our decision on a brief time spent with them without knowing why he has become what he is and without expecting him to change. If he is disagreeable, the natural reaction is to keep our contact to a minimum.

I came in the front door of Hospice House and heard whistling! It sounded something like a bird and I couldn’t imagine what was going on. As a fellow volunteer walked by I asked, and was told “Oh, that’s just Howard.”

The Hernando Hospice House was still in its first year when Howard checked into room one. As soon as he was comfortably settled, a volunteer went if to see if we could bring him a little something to eat or drink. “No! I don’t want anything from you people. Get out. Don’t bother me,” was his reply. Over the course of the next few weeks, Howard trained all the volunteers. “Cut the crust off the bread.” “Why do I have cookies on my tray – I didn’t ask for cookies!” “Close the door, but don’t close it all the way.” We always did our best to make things just the way he wanted them to be. It was never good enough, and never easy.

One of our biggest challenges was trying to find out if he was done with his meal. If you stuck your head into the room to find out, and he wasn’t done, you just might get it bitten off! “What are you doing, spying on me? GET OUT!”

The weeks went by and things didn’t really change that much. He didn’t yell quite as much and we assumed it was because


9

we were finally getting things right. Howard was our cross to bear, and every volunteer did so willingly. More than willingly – Howard was a challenge that we accepted with open hearts. Every volunteer on every shift decided just to love him. It showed in the way his food was prepared and the way it was served. It showed in the way we tenderly and carefully treated him. He may not like us, but we’d love him. There was no big meeting; it just happened over a period of time.

And then the whistling started. What was going on?

As hard as it was to believe, Howard wanted company and was trying to get attention. “Not OUR Howard” was my first thought. Yes, OUR Howard.

The volunteers had given him so much love that he had learned to love back. He was a different man, someone who related to the rest of the world and cared about those around him. And, maybe most importantly, he was happy. It had been many, many, years since he had been happy.

The last time I saw Howard was only two or three days before he died. He held my hand and told me “If I’d known there were people in the world who are as kind as they are here I’d have been much nicer to everyone I met over the years.”

Howard, I still love you, and you will always have a special place in my heart.

10

What it means to me to be to a Hospice Volunteer. It is Easy

Judy SwankThe hospice concept and movement have grown out of the commitment by volunteers and remain today the heart of hospice. As soon as someone expresses an interest in becoming a hospice volunteer, they ARE ready. The many faces of hospice volunteers have something to give of themselves. There is an activity for everyone; that is what makes volunteering for hospice so great! It is easy.

I am a Resident Comforter, for the purpose of classification. But, that is not where it stops or starts.

In the beginning, I was so impressed with the care given to a friend that when my uncle was at that point with his battle, I suggested hospice to him. He and his pastor met with hospice and I saw such an amazing difference in his personal attitude with life, and God, and with his family. His last words to me was "Thank you." Does it get any better than that? I was with him until the end. But the hospice volunteers that enabled me to take the time I needed with my business and husband (who was a saint) and friends (God bless them), to help me so that I could be with Jack, gave me the need to give back to others.

So, I took the first step and signed up! It was easy. I went to orientation and went away awestruck with the many folks that volunteer and with their enthusiasm. They spoke and talked and sang and it was all from the heart. I thought, gee, if I could only be half as good as they are. They made it seem easy.

I got a call to come and sit with a patient. Wow! It was at the House; she was a “little” demanding, but, by golly, I stuck it out for four hours with one “little” demanding patient. I found her “button.” I brushed her hair. She loved it. So while I brushed, I talked to myself. First, I declared that this is not what I expected and was sure that I was not cut out for this job, (sorry Uncle Jack). Then I realized she had settled down and was really enjoying this. Then I thought, gee, it sure did not take much to make her happy


11

and if this is all she really wanted than this was easy. And, boy, did the staff ever appreciate me that day! It was easy.

Then, I got a call to take a shift. Well, I said yes, but I think I meant “maybe.” Well, I showed up and the other Resident Comforter took me by the hand and showed me the way. She has the patience of Job and made it seem a lot less scary and, in fact, easy. The staff was great and after a couple of shifts, I was hooked. It was easy.

Time passed, and I find this really so rewarding that I signed up for a CNA course and now I am employed to do home health; I work for an agency but I cannot give up volunteering for hospice. I find that it takes so little effort in making people comfortable. I have learned so very much about myself. It is easy.

I have held the hand, wiped the brow and prayed as they have left this life. I cannot tell you the experience that it was to me. It certainly gave me a time to reflect back to those that I have lost to death only to realize that they are really still with me in my heart and spirit, that my trials and tribulations of the day really need to be put in proper perspective and to grasp and hold the day. After I mulled this over, it was sad but enlightening. It was easy.

It was both fun and moving to be part of the Tree of Life at Christmas watching families coming in to find their loved one’s name on the tree. This year, I had taken ornaments home to put tags on them and then to place them on the tree. I had a moment when I wrote the name of my best friend’s Mom and felt so blessed to have written her name and able to place it on the tree. It brought back so many wonderful memories of her, I called my friend and we reflected with tears and laughter. It was great. It was easy.

I place calls to loved ones through the BTSP program. They tell you how they are coping and you listen and learn. They have so much to tell you if you listen. It is easy.

I am very proud to be a hospice volunteer and I know that I will be a hospice volunteer in some aspect as long as I can. I feel that I have a much better outlook and understanding of self through this business of hospice volunteering. It is easy.


12

Emma HallAs I think about why I got involved in volunteering for hospice, I find I have several reasons. First of all, when I was a senior in high school my father came down with prostate cancer and it was just my mother and I. We had a really hard time; I was trying to finish my senior year at school and help out at home. I would have given anything to have had the support of hospice for both of us.

Then I retired and moved to Florida. I wanted to do something besides be a park person. So ten years ago, I started volunteering with hospice. I have met some wonderful friends that will last a lifetime. I feel that if I need help in any way, I would have their support. I will continue volunteering as long as I am able to help out doing something beneficial.

Thank you for the last ten wonderful years.


13

Vetta WilsonI have been a hospice volunteer for four years. I worked in the office two years. Now I am a Resident Comforter at the Hospice House. I really enjoy getting to know my patients and their families. I have seen a lot of my patients pass on and new ones come in. I recall this one lady who loved to go outside and sit and watch the birds and squirrels. One day, when we were in the gazebo, the dog next door came over to where we were. She told the doggie he had better go home. The doggie was so fat that he could hardly get back under the fence. There were also two horses and one cow. At eighty years old she liked to ride motorcycles. She has now passed on. She was a beautiful, loving lady.

I recall another of my patients. He always ordered the same breakfast every Friday. When I would go in to see him in the morning, he would say to me, “Hello beautiful! How are you today?” That made me feel good and also made my day. He also liked looking at the cow next door to the Hospice House. He told me. “I do not know who is going to go first - me or the cow.” The cow did not look very well and it looked sick.

We had one thing in common - he had a premature grandson and I had a premature granddaughter. One day, I took my granddaughter to see him and the other patients.

He has now passed on and is in a better place. I tell my patients when I leave on Friday that I will see them next week “Lord willing and the creek don’t rise.” That puts a smile on their faces. There are so many more I could tell you about. But there is so little time for them. I also go to their viewings when it is possible. This way I am letting them go and saying good-bye. Their families appreciate that someone from hospice is there for their loved one.


14

Kay TannoMy story begins with my then 98 year-old mother who had been a nurse anesthetist for her entire working career. I picked her up at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg where she was a patient and told her she had pancreatic cancer. She was furious over the news, stating hat no one in her family ever had cancer and she wasn’t going to be the first!

I was told that hospice would be at my home when I arrived with my mother, and there stood Jerri the Hospice nurse waiting to greet my mother with a large smile and tender loving care. What a blessing to have such a warm reception.

My mother lived with us for three months and received the finest care we could ever hope for. I could not have managed this without hospice’s help, as my husband was working full time and could help only in the evenings.

As the end drew nearer, the nurses stayed longer, and were with her 24 hours a day for three days. The hospice nurse on duty was the last person to bid my Mother a Holy Farewell, before calling my husband and me into the room that was filled with love and care. I was so impressed with hospice that I offered to volunteer and was attending hospice volunteer class a week later. That was 10 years ago. I cook dinner now at Hospice House every Monday and rarely miss. I pray that I can bring the same joy I received to those in need of a loving hand.


15

Dorothy GaylordOften times, when friends learn that I volunteer at hospice, they wonder if it isn’t very depressing. I always assure them it is anything but. Most of the time the patients inspire me with their courage and grace, facing what we all will have to face at some point. Most families and friends rally to make their loved one’s last days, weeks, or months times of caring and warmth. And the surroundings at hospice are so much more like home than are hospitals. The environment makes it as comfortable as possible for the families. Volunteers are great too, making it a good place to meet nice people. Of course it is difficult to lose patients to whom one has become attached. But there is a satisfaction in knowing their last days were made as comfortable as possible.


16

Darryl Smith

My Volunteer Story

What exemplifies my volunteering for HPH is that I am accepted for whom I am, a person who lost my wife Lillian after 53 years to cancer and was in a very dark, unforgiving place.

With a team of experienced help, I learned to care for myself and others, and learned to put them first and to give of my experiences and talents; I never expected that it would be so rewarding.

Working with the bereavement counselor, Linda, I learned that there was a program to repay others for what I had experienced. In working with Cynthia Ineson, the volunteer coordinator, I would volunteer for work in the office and keep the patients’ records organized and in the right sequence as required by hospice.

My talents and work experience in an office environment was so strong and I was very comfortable in that area. It was a challenge to learn all the forms but I took it on with a positive attitude.

I have been rewarded each day with the challenges that Cynthia has given me and the openness of all the staff at the south office with their thanks of being here and helping out.

It was really special when Cynthia called me one day after my regular volunteer time to come back and have our picture taken. It was just for the office then along with Barb and Jeannie, the two women who I work with. Well that picture has turned into such a special reward that we are on hand-out pamphlets to explain about hospice, in the Suncoast News about the Tree of Life program, and on the website. Everyone is calling me the poster boy. That is a very rewarding feeling, for just doing my job that I enjoy very much.


17

My self worth has helped me to grow into a outwardly giving person to all the staff at the South office and to each person I meet on a daily basis.

Volunteering for Hospice means to me the fulfillment of a rewarding time of the day with very special people, from Cynthia the volunteer coordinator, to each office staff member, to each nurse, to each and every volunteer that I come in contact with especially Barb and Jeannie who I work directly with and the special way each one has been with me.

And during my daily meetings with people outside of hospice, I am constantly reminding them of what hospice did for me and my family and tell them that if they feel the need or need help with their loved ones, hospice is there to help them.


18

Jim and Elaine Brininstool

Big Apple Bus DriverWe were privileged to sit with fella in the advanced stages of cancer. He and his wife were a wonderful couple. Their home was beautiful but lived-in and they loved sharing it with others. He had been a bus driver in NYC and had many interesting stories to tell. We knew what he liked to eat and his wife had all the neat things he liked to nibble on. His wife was very appreciative when we sat with him while she could have a little time to herself.

Over a few weeks, he became worse and too much for his wife to take care of at home, so he was taken to a nursing home. The first day he was there we went to visit him. He was surprised to know that we knew where he was. He was only there a few days and when we went in to see him one day, his wife was coming out crying. His suffering was over.

We went to his funeral, or I should say funerals as he was raised Jewish but did not consider himself Jewish; so they had a Jewish and also a Christian funeral for him.

During the time we sat with this good fellow, we also sat with a lady with terminal cancer. She passed away around that same time.

We went north for three months. When we returned we called the bus driver’s wife and she insisted that we come for a spaghetti dinner. We do not usually do this but she seemed so down, so we went, enjoyed dinner with her and we stayed until midnight. She just needed someone to talk to.

We went to dinner a few months later and from our table, over a few tables, we saw our good friend. The gentleman she was


19

having dinner with looked so familiar. We stopped and talked and she introduced the man as her new husband. It was the husband of the lady we sat with the same time we sat with the Big Apple bus driver.

We were so glad to have been able to be there for both of these families. It was wonderful to see these two hurting people come together. They moved up north. We have received Christmas cards for two or three years and they sound very happy. Good ending!

We have had so many heart-filled stories of patients and their families. It was very hard to pick just one for you. We love what we do!


20

Pat Russo

My Hospice ExperienceIt was April 2004. I was always busy; still, there was a void in my life. I needed to volunteer somewhere. I mentioned my desire and my friend said, “Hospice can always use volunteers.” Fortunately, there was a class starting for new volunteers. During the class, I decided this was perfect for me. My brother Danny had passed away under hospice care in New York. I felt this was my way of giving back to hospice for the wonderful care they gave my brother.

I started as a cook in the kitchen, under the watchful eyes of Helen and Bill. They taught me so much. I was totally overwhelmed the first day. After preparing eggs for Dottie, a resident, I received a note telling me her eggs were perfect. She asked me to sit with her and share her cashew nuts. I was hooked. I never thought I could care for a stranger like she was my Mom, but that’s what happened. When I walked out the front door after my shift, I had this awesome feeling of joy; I had made a resident’s day simply by cooking her breakfast and sitting with her. She made mine by saying thank you.

One day Chaplain Chuck asked if I would join him singing to the residents; I am still singing with Chuck and other volunteers every Monday morning. I am Sweet Pea the Clown and the Easter Bunny. To see a twinkle in their eyes and a smile on their faces gives me an unbelievable feeling of fulfillment.

Thank you Hernando Pasco Hospice for helping me fulfill my need in life.


21

Pat Hitts

My Hospice Story My story began on August 22, 1987. That was the year I lost my precious daughter to an auto accident. Our relationship was very unique; we were so much more than daughter and mom; we were best friends. I thought I would be able to die. I certainly could not imagine living. I searched for books that would tell me how to live after the loss of a child. I finally found two beautiful books, “Roses In December” and “Don’t Take My Grief from Me.” But reading that I could live was not enough; I had to learn how. I reached out to a fellow employee, a school psychologist. She helped me start Michigan county’s first grief support group for parents who’ve lost children. We started out with a small group and I began writing newsletters and announcements in our local paper; our group soon grew. Then out of the blue, maybe out of the heavens, I started writing poems. I had no writing experience - I had never written a poem. The poem that has always stuck in my mind the most was written after my boss came into my office and asked, “Pat, how are you doing?” I said, “Mike, I will be fine.” A few minutes later, I wrote the poem. I put that poem on the internet and, to my great surprise, received a letter from a nurse who worked in a children’s ward in the UK. She asked my permission to include the poem in their newsletter for grieving parents.

Now, twenty two years later I am ready to begin once more. Twenty two years after losing my 22 year-old daughter. I find it so ironic that I had not connected the dates until after I talked to Sheena. Now that I know how to live, I would like to help others know that there is life after death even though it will never ever be the same. And, yes… the scars on your heart will break open from time to time but they will close gain…until the next time.

So where else would I turn but to those who are helping so many others before and after their loss; and who are helping loved ones to let go and to know how very much they are loved? Working at hospice makes me feel like “I am walking with angels” - so many loving, caring people. I feel blessed.


22

Sarita PlattIt has been a little over a year since I became a hospice volunteer. My cousin, Frank, passed away in 2007 and hospice played a major role in his last days. That is when I realized how awesome this organization is.So, since I live near the Majestic office and kept thinking I need to stop by and talk with these folks, I did just that. I met Fred Blind, filled out the application form, and had my friends verify me. I took the training course and decided I wanted to visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities. My aunt is presently in a nursing home, so this would fit for me. And it has been a great experience so far.I visit two facilities. One is quite large and the other is small, only two or three patients, and is listed as an ALF. All my patients, since day one, have been just wonderful. They are an irreplaceable generation filled with patriotism, courage and bravery.This one patient I visit, James, a.k.a. Jimmy, has been one of those patients. He is now ninety-one years old and has served his country proudly in the air force and was married, I believe, to his now deceased wife for over fifty years. We really enjoy a sweet rapport. For instance, I came by the facility one day with cookies and a flower for my patients. They especially loved the cookies, but Jimmy loved both the cookie and the carnation. Apparently he liked it too much because before I knew it, Jimmy had EATEN the carnation. It's humorous now, but at the time it was scary. When I asked him, "where is the flower I brought you?" he told me that HE ATE IT. I was in disbelief. His honesty blew me away! The funny thing is that he seemed to have truly enjoyed eating that carnation and said "it tasted good." I'm so glad it was edible.Jimmy continues to bless me immensely. He calls me "sweetie" and knows my name which is tricky, to say the least. He brings a lot of joy into my life and to his caregivers.Hospice has been a blessing to me. This organization and the people associated with it are wonderful, decent folks. I have made some nice friends and I am honored to be associated with each and every person connected with hospice. May they continue the compassionate, loving work they do with dedication and selflessness for many years to come. Many blessings to all.


23

Diana Unger

That special Easter SundayRon never accepted that he was going to die. Even when he was in his last days he thought he would get better and go home. He in his early 60s, was a fighter and not ready to leave the long life he was supposed to have and a retirement he was looking forward to. In the end, his body riddled with cancer, he lost his battle and joined his wife who had died five years before him from the same dreadful disease.

A tradition that our family had every year was to have an Easter picnic at one of the parks. Our kids, grandkids, friends and all of Ron’s would get together have a cookout, play baseball, horseshoes and bacci ball.

This past Easter Ron, was at Marliere. He still wanted to go on the picnic but he was so weak. His daughter asked him, since he couldn’t go to the picnic, if the picnic could come to him; he said yes.

Easter Sunday came and we all brought food. Friends stopped by and said hello to him. His children, grandchildren, his brother and I, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews were all there for him. He wanted to get out of his bed and go outside and see the children have their traditional Easter egg hunt.

A social worker came in and was concerned that it might be too much for him; we knew that was her job to be concerned, but we knew different. Ron was the happiest he had been in days. It was what he and his family needed. That one last memory would be a good memory for anyone who was with him that day.

The nurses and staff were so compassionate and always willing to answer any of the family’s concerns. The end came and he died peacefully.

The minister from hospice gave a good sermon at Ron’s services. He read some notes that he had collected about him. Ron lay in his open casket and I smiled at him as the minister prayed for him. You see, Ron was far from being a religious person. He was anything but. I don’t think he even believed in God. But the minister was there for us and it was very comforting to hear his words.


24

Volunteering

Cathi Mahoney

Webster defines a “volunteer” as “a person who performs or offers a service of his or her own free will.” That is a logical definition; but, I think it is a person that gives straight from the heart without expecting anything in return and finds out that the rewards are astronomical!

I was a caregiver for three years for my father…24/7. I had home health come in at one point; but, when their time was up nobody told me that hospice even existed so I was totally on my own. Anyone that has ever been a caregiver knows that it can be one of the toughest jobs in the world.

My father was admitted into the Marliere Hospice Care Center in August 2008 and passed away later on in the month. However, while he was there, I met some of the kindest, most loving, giving, gentle group of people that devoted all of their time to my father and my needs as well as my families’ even though there were many other ill people in the building. I knew that volunteering for this organization was something that I needed to do.

In the beginning, after the orientation phase (which is very enjoyable), I was able to grieve with other people that had recently been in the same position I had been in. I also attended the “Time for Remembrance” which is something that helps you through the grieving process. They also offer counseling to help you through this process as well.

There are many things that you can do for hospice and they only ask that you give them four hours a week of your time. I have chosen to be there two and sometimes three times a week for six or seven hours at a time because I so enjoy the love that flows


25

throughout Marliere and the administration building. The gratitude that the staff has for the volunteers is the greatest reward in the world. They are thankful for anything that you can do to help. At the present time, I do volunteering in Medical Records and will be doing some things over at the Care Center. There are opportunities to do “sitting” in homes so that the caregiver can have a chance to run errands etc., work at the Thrift Store, be a greeter at the Care Center, help in the kitchen, help with the Time for Remembrance, work in the office, visit people at the Nursing Homes, be a crafter, use your singing talents for the group that travels around and entertains the ill and also help out with The Tree of Life at Christmas. The rewards that you get are lots of love, many times hearing “thank you,” more gratification than you can ever imagine and numerous smiles. Also, the friendships that you make are priceless.

Please consider coming out and joining in to help this wonderful non-profit organization! Hope to see you there!


26

Ron PenneyMy Story: I was asked to visit a man in Zephyrhills. When I arrived, I met a very nice caregiver. When I met the patient, he was bed-ridden, so I sat by his bed side and talked for awhile when he noticed my retired Coast Guard hat. He told me he was a retired Colonel from the Massachusetts National Guard, the Yankee division. I told him that’s where I started my career; I was I Company, 101st Infantry division. The next 4 hours went by so fast.

If you want a very rewarding job, visiting patients is it. Tell your friends about your experiences and urge them to volunteer.

Some of our volunteers at work.


27

Some of our volunteers at work.


Administration Office12107 Majestic Blvd.Hudson, FL 34667(727) 863-7971(800) 486-8784

South Pasco4422 Grand Blvd.New Port Richey, FL 34652(727) 849-2629(800) 486-8722

Central West Pasco6807 Rowan Rd.New Port Richey, FL 34653(727) 848-7160(866) 727-7160

North Pasco12029 Majestic Blvd. Ste. 1Hudson, FL 34667(727) 863-9522(800) 611-1807

East Pasco37445 Clinton Ave.Dade City, FL 33525 (813) 780-6797(352) 518-1400(800) 486-8790

West Hernando12260 Cortez Blvd.Brooksville, FL 34613(352) 597-1882(800) 486-8733

East Hernando698 South Broad St.Brooksville, FL 34601(352) 796-2611(866) 486-8771

Citrus County3545 N. Lecanto Hwy.Beverly Hills, FL 34465 (352) 527-4600 (800) 697-1799

Marliere Hospice Care Center6801 Rowan RoadNew Port Richey, FL 34653(727) 845-4004FAX 845-4033

Hudson Hospice Care Center7210 Beacon Woods Dr.Hudson, FL 34667(727) 705-1215

East Pasco Hospice Care Center37439 Clinton Ave.Dade City, FL 33525(352) 567-6837

Hernando Hospice Care Center1114 Chatman Blvd.Brooksville, FL 34601(352) 544-1181

Citrus Hospice Care Center701 Medical Drive Ct. EInverness, FL 34452(352) 344-0896

Hudson Hospice House12139 Majestic Blvd.Hudson, FL 34667(727) 863-5900

East Pasco Hospice House37441 Clinton Ave.Dade City, FL 33525(352) 521-3500

Hernando Hospice House12254 Cortez Blvd.Brooksville, FL 34613(352) 597-0736

Citrus Hospice House2341 W. Norvell Bryant HighwayLecanto, FL 34461(352) 746-5700

Thrift Store6528 Massachusetts Ave.New Port Richey, FL 34653(727) 841-7356(866) 247-1387

hands that serv

e hands that care hand

s that se

rve

Documents

HPH Hospice Volunteer Stories Booklet