They told us at the hospice luncheon today that volunteers racked up over a million dollars worth of what would have been billable hours. Because of that our local hospice is able to provide extra service to the community that insurance and MC doesn't cover. We have a new program being funded by a grant from Bancroft-the petsmart vet group. Trained volunteers will be able to take care of patients animals when they are no longer able. They can take pets to the vet and groomer in cages provided. Rates will be reduced. Also lug bags and litter that the patient can't. Had us in tears with one story. Patient has three small dogs that needed homes. Homes were found and as the patient was actively dying all three families brought the dogs back so the woman could die with her pets on her bed with her
That's so wonderful, bluedaze*. Interesting you should post this tonight. A neighbor is the community services director for our local hospice and they had a conference today. She just stopped by with left-over chicken croissants and pasta salad - our lunch for tomorrow! She was telling me about their pet program also - about the same as you described. Such a caring thing to do. Hats off to you and all the other volunteers. Maybe one day I can be one.
And it's incredible when a person can give so much of herself to others, especially after dealing with disease in her own life. I think some would want to run the other way.
You give so much of yourself to others, Nora. I am always in awe.
so very thankful for everyone that is involved in hospice. i learned so much from them in the last six months that we have had them. as bobby has hit a plateau as they say and have released us for a while bonds were formed and the fear of the word hospice will not be the same!
During DH's last week in the nursing home, Hospice volunteers sat with him when I wasn't able to be there. One was with him the afternoon he passed away. I was so glad that he wasn't alone.
what a wonderful addition for volunteers to help with the pet sideof hospice. hospice is such an important part of the end stages for so many. thank you nora and all the volunteers. divvi
Nora- You are incredible. Believe me. I should know....Remember the night we spent together, drinking wine, talking, and then spending all night with you????? You are still as incredible....
Bluedaze..sorry..but the posts were becoming too serious...someone had to inject a bit of distraction. You are still the Alzheimer's goddess in my eyes......