So You Want to Be a Hospice Volunteer...

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The Last Lecture

Several of you have mentioned this and I wanted to make sure others were able to hear about it too. Randy Pausch is a former professor at Carnegie Melon and Pancreatic Cancer patient who gave his "Last Lecture" in November 2007. This lecture talks about achieving life goals and more important views on how to live life well. Set aside some time to view this video or listen to it while you're working on something else. Well worth it! As far as I can tell, Randy has made it past the 6-month mark he was given and is currently spending time with his family. He also was able to make a book (while riding his bike) and that link is found below as well.

http://www.cmu.edu/randyslecture/ For the Last Lecture video and information
http://www.thelastlecture.com/ For the Book information

Action vs. InAction

One of my favorite things to do when I'm bored is people watch. I'm rather good at it - probably too good, I've realized. A few days ago I watched a little baby draped over his mother's shoulder who was about to spit up. My first thought was that someone needed to let the mom know that her baby was about to mess up her blouse and to try and quickly get a rag over her shoulder. However, that thought was quickly disrupted by another lady who quickly stuck out her hand and caught the mess before the mom even knew what was happening.

I was struck by how attentive and caring this lady must be to automatically act and help a stranger. I also felt sheepish for how I worried about helping someone instead of just helping.

Instead of hesitating, wondering if I will offend someone or following cultural expectations, I can do better at just helping when help is needed. Instead of worrying about how someone is going to do after the death of their loved one, I can be there for them now and continue to be there for them later. Instead of worrying about how a patient will react if I ask them how they are taking their own dying process, I can sincerely ask.

I'm glad I was people watching and able to observe a small act, but I hope next time, I will be the one who is actively helping people instead of the one watching.

Daffodils and Easter Gifts

Instead of delivering our normal flowers for the week before Easter, we'll be delivering daffodils from the American Cancer Society's "Daffodil Days" fundraiser. These daffodils will be more than just a beautiful gift, they're also a donation for a cancer-free future. I encourage you to purchase your own flowers and support the war against cancer. Go to daffodil.acsevents.org for more information on how you can support this event.

For those who normally purchase flowers for patients from a floral shop, please let me know if you'd be willing to pick up daffodils and an Easter gift from the Salt Lake or Orem office. If you're unable to pick up your flowers and gift, a staff member will deliver them to your patient. These flowers will only be available for pick up:

Monday, March 17th 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and

Tuesday, March 18th from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Legislation Likely to Cut Hospice Reimbursement by 15%

From the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization:
"Hospice Community Call to Action: Administration Seeks 15% Cut in Hospice Rates... The Administration's last budget package to Congress specifically asked for drastic cuts in hospice reimbursement rates... It is imperative that each hospice mobilize people to write, call, email and speak to your federal representatives to oppose the budget package and, more importantly, to block the Administration rule making effort to cut hospice rates... Review and download the materials NHPCO has created to help you advocate for hospice – this includes talking points, a narrative, and a suggested letter." - www.nhpco.com

Hey Volunteers! This kind of cut can drastically change the services we provide. I know that if I was an administrator and I had to make a 15% cut to my program I would have to cut down on the support services. Chaplains would have to cut down on hours and see more patients in less time. Our wonderful services like Music Thanatology and Massage would be at risk of being cut alltogether. Even Volunteer Coordinators time would have to be cut back and less support given to volunteers. This legislation effects every hospice and each future patient we may serve. I urge you to go to the website above and advocate for hospice!

Great Hospice Volunteer Article

Okay, so I know this article is from 2000, but I really liked it and thought you all might too. It's titled. "She's being their angel" and it's about a hospice volunteer in Florida. Check it out if you want to read up on what others are doing and how they're contributing to the lives of other individuals on hospice.
http://www.sptimes.com/News/121800/NorthPinellas/_She_s_being_their_an.shtml

Beta Testers Needed

We need a couple of Internet savvy volunteers to test out our new online forums. These forums will be available for the sharing of ideas amongst volunteers and staff members. If you’d be willing to get a login and try doing a few posts, we’d love your help. Just let Monica know so she can get you registered.

February Events

Valentine Deliveries
Tuesday 12 - Thursday 14
If you'd like to deliver heart-shaped, helium balloons with a valentine to your patients, please let Monica know so she can arrange for you to pick up your delivery. (Thank you to Wendy for making the Valentine baskets!)

VolShare
Thursday February 21st, Salt Lake City office
6:30 p.m. Mingle and eat goodies
7:00 p.m. 1/2 hour training on "Dealing with Difficult Situations"
This is your chance to meet other hospice volunteers who share the same compassion you do about your patients. Our speakers are Yetta Borgeson and Cassy Killpack, social workers here at Utah Hospice Specialists.
***Please RSVP to Monica

UHPCO In-service
Wednesday, February 27th
5:30 p.m. Training on "Health Issues of Other Cultures"
Location: CNS, 6949 High Tech Drive, Midvale 84047
This training is for all hospice volunteers from all hospices in the Wasatch Front area

So Long to a Good Friend

Today I heard news about a former volunteer of ours. He hasn't volunteered for us for a while, but I've always admired him and continued to keep in touch with him through the years. Sjon was a very good hospice volunteer..I guess he will always be "the" hospice volunteer in my mind.

Sjon was committed to hospice volunteering and usually volunteered for a few different hospices at any one time. He would take a patient or two from each hospice and was comfortable in any situation. His jovial nature and desire to serve others made him a "real person" who put others at ease. I just spoke with one of his current Volunteer Coordinators who said that just two weeks ago Sjon volunteered to speak to a group of other hospice volunteers about his experiences as a volunteer. He wasn't just a patient advocate, he was an advocate for everyone having a dignified, peaceful dying experience.

Sjon's own bout of prostate cancer ended on Saturday, February 2nd...while he received care from a loving hospice company. You will be missed, my friend.

You can get to know Sjon a little better by reading his obituary - posted at www.serenicare.com

You're Invited!

Some of my coworkers have mentioned that they wouldn't mind having some volunteers attend out Interdisciplinary Team Meetings (IDT). These are the meetings that we hold each week to dicuss our patients, their needs and what we are doing to meet their needs. We'd love to have you attend during one of these meetings if you are interested in doing so. IDT Meetings are held every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in our Salt Lake Office. Just let me know if you'd like to attend so we can make sure to dicuss your patient(s) when you arrive.