They say you learn something new every day. In her final years with us, my mother taught both my wife Katherine and myself something new every time we visited. The journey of dementia is a difficult one, but I think many of our challenges came from our initial inability to understand the language and dance … Read moreOur Journey with Dementia
Submitted by Larry Dicks, Hospice Northwest volunteer I have prepared this story for use by Hospice Northwest because I want to give readers an appreciation of how my personal life has been enhanced by volunteering with Hospice Northwest. I met my current client in August 2015. “Drew” was a 45 year old man with an … Read moreHow Hospice Volunteering Changes Lives
At Hospice Northwest, we acknowledge the rewarding but difficult role of the caregivers and celebrate the differences they make in the lives of others. This blog offers an opportunity for caregivers to share their stories, poems, images or quotes that describe their caregiving experiences, while maintaining full confidentiality for those in their care. If you are a caregiver who would like … Read moreCaregivers Blog – How to Submit a Caregiver’s Blog Post
Submitted by Peter Strawson, Hospice Northwest volunteer In 2011, being long retired and feeling somewhat bored reading and watching TV, I noticed a newspaper article about Hospice Northwest and their need for volunteers, particularly of the male gender. I was already familiar with Hospice Northwest from my volunteer days with the United Way when I … Read moreOn Becoming a Hospice Northwest Volunteer
When your world has been unexpectedly turned upside down with a life-threatening diagnosis, the new world of medical appointments, tests and procedures presents a harsh, cold reality. Family and friends, while offering support in whatever way they can, are coping with the inevitable changes the crisis brings to the family unit as a whole, and … Read moreLouise Wilson
To serve each other, to respect each other, to trust each other, to honour each other, to love each other, to cooperate with each other, to care for each other, to forgive one another, to focus on people’s good, to laugh with one another, to learn from one another, to pray for each other – … Read moreRobert Fenton
Hospice volunteering has given me a new purpose in life. I’ve always wanted to help others, and now I feel like I am. It’s been such a wonderful experience and I’ve met such wonderful people! It’s changed my life!
A few years ago, after my training with Hospice Northwest was over, I was paired with my first client in Long Term Care. I had a wonderful experience with that client and now I can’t imagine working with anyone other than a resident in LTC. I have shared many afternoons with clients; sometimes we are … Read moreKatherine Poulin
Many residents in Pinewood Court that are at the end-of-life stage have received gentle visits from the Hospice Northwest volunteers. The partnership between the two organizations started in August 2009. Hospice Northwest trains and supervises the volunteers and they have been available to us after a referral has been made by our Home’s physician. Of … Read moreHelena Pulki
Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2002 and began chemo in January of 2003. It was at the Cancer Centre that we first heard about Circle of Friends being offered through Hospice Northwest. Mom immediately embraced the group and going to Circle became her passion. She rarely missed the bi-monthly get-together and feeling … Read moreAnita Sakiyama