Today I started the process of becoming a hospice volunteer. They love the idea than I am an RN. I was surprised when they asked if I would consider working with AD patients. When I asked why it turns out most volunteers are afraid of them. I would rather do other things-but we shall see. I really prefer to work in the hospice house itself. Because of my schedule I can't make their next 9-5 training day so I won't start until mid July. Who knows-I may even start my own thread-Hospice from the other side.
I think sometimes AD caregiving or counseling just chooses you, as opposed to you choosing it.
Not that you won't be brilliant at every kind of hospice need, you will, but bringing your experience to those cases as well could turn out to be at least a minor calling.
Good for you Nora. You will be great. I debated about Hospice vs Alzheimer when I was deciding where to volunteer and chose Alzheimer's because I wanted to start a support group for Spouses dealing with Dementia. The Hospice co-ordinator was very accommodating and told me she could put me with their Dementia caregivers - but a small percentage of their patients have dementia - most having cancer. The Alzheimer Co-ordinator was also very accommodating and pretty well told me I could do whatever I wanted to do - so I started a group at our local Alzheimer's Association Office for Spouses caregiving spouses with Dementia. We have had 3 meetings so far with a total of 9 attendees pretty assured to be as regular as their personal situation will allow them to attend. It has been very well received and comments have been encouraging. BAK here on Joan's is one of the attendees. Before - I never imagined in my wildest dreams I would want to do this, but I find I am drawn to other caregivers. Good Luck with your new venture.
Nora--I am surprised that you were surprised!!!! Don't you realize that all of us here become experts in dementia care--whether we want to or not--it's called survival? (And you even moreso with your nursing training.) Living with dementia, especially in a spouse, teaches us in a way that no classroom could have. Kudos to you for doing this. We are just starting with in-home hospice services, so it will be really interesting to hear your observations.
Nora, I agree... an enormous and very giving heart ♥ So many would run from the hell they have been through trying to put it behind them... yet here you are using your experience to help others through their journey. Amazing, and I know you will be wonderful! I just wish you lived here so you could help me with Lynn's final goodbye...... I could certainly use someone like you with me!! ((hugs))
Nora, you will bring a whole new demension to Hospice caring for Dementia patients. YOU have lived it, 24/7. for years. You will know how to comfort the patient...and the family. You have walked in their shoes. One of my friends lost her husband to AD a few years ago. She is a blessing to me because she has been where I am.