Page 36 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

2016. Over the past nine years, she has caregivers a much-needed break • Contribute to the Community:
lovingly sewn 373 memory bears for by staying with the patient for a Playing a vital role in a
the families of hospice patients, each few hours community-focused organization
one a testament to her compassion and dedicated to compassionate care
skill. • Administrative Support:
Assisting with office tasks, such as How to Get Involved
One particular bear holds a special answering phones, filing, and data
place in Jane’s heart. It was for a entry If you are interested in becoming
pediatric patient whose tiny clothes a hospice volunteer with Hospice
were too small to make a bear. • Special Skills: Sharing unique of Lubbock, the process is
Determined to create a meaningful talents, such as music, art, or pet straightforward:
keepsake, Jane used some of her own therapy, to enhance the patient’s 1. Application: Complete an
fabric to make a bear and clothed it quality of life application form available on the
with the patient’s own little outfit. This Training and Support Hospice of Lubbock website.
bear became a cherished memory for
the family. Hospice of Lubbock ensures that 2. Interview: Participate in an
all volunteers are well-prepared for interview to discuss your interests,
Jane’s memory bears have brought their roles. Comprehensive training skills, and availability.
immense comfort to countless families. programs cover essential topics such
They have expressed their gratitude as: 3. Training: Attend the required
through heartfelt thank you cards, training sessions to prepare for
sharing how much it means to have a • Understanding hospice philosophy your volunteer role.
tangible piece of their loved ones with and care
them. The memory of the clothing, 4. Placement: Begin your journey as
transformed into a bear, provides • Effective communication with a hospice volunteer, with ongoing
solace and a connection to the past. patients and families support from the hospice team.

Volunteering with Hospice of • Grief and bereavement support Volunteering with Hospice of
Lubbock: A Journey of Compassion Lubbock is more than just a service;
and Support • Confidentiality and ethical it is a commitment to making a
considerations meaningful difference in the lives of
Volunteering with Hospice of Lubbock others. By offering your time, skills,
offers a unique opportunity to make Ongoing support and supervision are and compassion, you can provide
a profound difference in the lives of provided to help volunteers navigate invaluable support to patients
patients and their families during some their experiences and address any and their families, creating lasting
of their most challenging times. As a challenges they may encounter. memories, and fostering a sense of
volunteer, you become an integral part The Impact of Volunteering community and care.
of a compassionate team dedicated
to providing comfort, dignity, and The impact of hospice volunteering Are you ready to embark on this
support to those facing life-limiting extends beyond the immediate care rewarding journey? Join Hospice of
illnesses. provided to patients. Volunteers often Lubbock and become a beacon of hope
find that their experiences are deeply and comfort for those in need.
The Role of a Hospice Volunteer
rewarding and transformative. By
Hospice volunteers play a variety offering their time and compassion,
of roles, each tailored to the needs volunteers:
and preferences of the patients • Build Meaningful Connections:
and their families. Some of the key Forming bonds with patients
responsibilities include:
and their families that can be
• Companionship: Spending profoundly enriching
quality time with patients, offering • Experience Personal Growth:
a listening ear, and providing Developing empathy, resilience,
emotional support
and a deeper understanding of
• Respite Care: Giving family life’s fragility

36 Lubbock Senior Link