Hospice - McKinney,TX

I have not had direct experience with hospice, but my mom has been a volunteer for many years in a variety of capacities. She gets a lot out of doing what she calls "vigil" work--staying with the dying person, often at night, just to be with them. Some of them want to talk, while others can't or don't want to. But she is often with some patients for weeks or months before they pass, and she finds it a rewarding way to help the families and the dying person. She also helps plan the 2x annual memorial service that is done for the family members through the hospice service. For my mom, I think this started as a way to help other families when she was too far away to help her own parents (Grandma died of cancer, and 3 of my aunts.mom's sisters & SIL provided hospice care but my mom was not able to because she lived 500 miles away); it was her way of giving back/helping others. She has since grown past that/moved past her own grief and finds it rewarding in and of itself. If you had asked me if I ever thought that this would be something she would want to do, or should do, I'd have said no, because she has a lifelong history of clinical depression, but actually, giving of herself has made her happier and more content.

Try it, give it a chance for a few months, and see if this kind of volunteering is right for you. :)

i haven't been a volunteer - but my mom is currently getting hospice care here at home so i see the volunteer who comes to visit iwth my mom every friday. SHe is sweet and such a blessing. At first my mom didn't really understand why this lady would come on Friday to jsut sit and talk with her - but now she looks forward to seing her and they share about their families,etc. Annie the volunteer asks about my children (since mom lives with us) and my mom shows her her photo albums and they talk about everything.

People like you are walking blessings - you are the hands and feet of God. there are a few passages in the bible that say "blessed are the feet of those who bring good news" - you will have blessed feet!

I've never been involved with hospice, but I know it takes a certain kind of person to be able to minister to others at that time.

Just understand that you can experience burn-out, and may have to step back every so often.

I'm glad you may have found a calling for yourself. Good hospice people are always needed.

Amen to what Malia said, God bless❤

God bless you and your work! My son was on hospice and the people that came to my house were a huge support for me and my husband.

My mom is currently on hospice, at home. I had to fire the first service I had for her because they were totally unreliable. The first time a volunteer came over it was great, she showed when she was supposed to and was cheerful and helpful. Then she made arrangements to be here so I could run to the grocery store and she did a no-show. A week later she called and apoligised, she was in the ER for a problem with her foot then went out of town for a week, and said she would come in a few days --- and did another no-show, no call no apology nothing. Then the service sent me a different volunteer and two ladies showed up so I could get some yard work done. They were okay but I felt they were very judgemental. The next week one the the same ladies came over so I could mow my lawn.
I tried to get a basic schedule from the hospice service for an entire week. What days the CNAs were coming and the nurse and the volunteer, I couldn't get 12 hours notice. Sometimes I never knew who was coming and when. The CNAs were coming over to help my Mom with a sponge bath or shower and for a while it always a different person. My Mom is not the kind of person who is comfortable having different people see her naked all the time; and when it's a different person each time you have to show them where everything is and show them which shampoo to use ect. And my Mom is the kind of lady who likes to have her hair set with rollers after it is washed. The CNAs were supposed to know how to set hair, with every one of them I had to show how to set her hair. None of them had any idea of how to set hair and have it turn out looking good. When the CNAs, nurse or volunteer are here it's supposed to be my time to relax and maybe run a couple of errands. Unless someone is in the house with my Mom I can't go any further than my porch. Mom has sudden onset dizzy spells caused by heart failure and can't be left along. I even have a baby monitor in my bedroom in case she needs me at night. If my Mom is standing I have to be right with her.
My started on hospice in April since then I have only been able to leave twice for me time. The other times I left my house was to go to the grocery store or other errand or to do my yard work.

So the moral of my story is: if you are commited to this please understand that the caregivers stuck home with the patient are counting on YOU. If something comes up and you can't be there find a replacement and call them. Let them know that short of national or medical emergency, you will be there.

I have been a hospice volunteer and a nursing assistant at a Hospice. It takes a very strong person to help out or work in this environment with out getting depressed. It's odd to me that you are questioning your motives. If you can bring joy to anyone on this earth it is worth while and everyone is going to be better off for it, just because these individuals are terminally ill doesn't mean that they are some how getting less because you live on.
I loved my job when I worked hospice. I got to meet many amazing people with wonderful families. Listening is the best skill you have. Good Luck!

I was a hospice social worker before becoming a mom, and I volunteered in the children's bereavement program on weeknights. Without a doubt, it was the absolute most rewarding job and/or volunteer position that I have ever held. I have been able to stay home with my precious kiddos for 7 years now, and would make the decision to leave my job for them all over again, but I still remember many stories from my time spent with hospice families, both teaching them about the dying process, how to truly live through it, and learning much more than I taught throughout my time with each family. I think what you are doing is admirable, and you are so right- you will be getting more than you give, even when you give all you have.

We may need to get someone from hospice to come help us with my mom and I just wanted to thank all of you for what you do.
You're amazing individuals and we need you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I've never done this but wanted to say thank you for doing it. You are a very special person!
L.

I haven't, but we had hospice in-home care for my stepfather and I think the hospice workers are a breed of people somewhere between mortal and angel. Thanks for the very important work you are doing. You are making a very real difference to the patients and the families.

My husband is a volunteer. He has odd work hours, so he is able to be available at odd times. :)

He gets so much out of it. Has met some really wonderful people. Many of whom remember him by name, even after long gaps in between visits. He normally goes to the Hospice facility itself, but he has also gone to private homes when individuals were at their home. Most of the people he has visited with were older. Many times he only sees them once and they are no longer there when he goes back. He talks to me about them sometimes, shares their stories, their personalities. He has a huge heart and desire to be used for good in the world. :)

I don't think I could do it myself, but I support him and always try to make it easier for him to have the time to go.

My brother was a volunteer for a long while and got a lot out of it for sure. My mom was on hospice for several months, and I don't know that she enjoyed it much ( combine being a normally poor patient and knowing you are dying) but it benefitted my dad, her sole caretaker for several years because all of us is lived elsewhere, so much! I appreciated the help if the volunteers and staff far beyond what I could ever express to them.

I think it depends on the person. I didn't have any experience with death until my mama had a massive stroke at 50 yrs old and died while I was trying to do cpr. Yep, it messed me up and her funeral was my first. I don't do well with death or the prospect of it. I know the obvious,
we will all die someday but it scares me and freaks me out. If you can handle it please help. It would be the best form of giving and serving. Its just not for me :)
* on a side note, my mama did home health care and dealt with alot of hospice patients. She loved it and even before she died I didn't inderstand how she could it.