PERSONALLY, I have had a challenging experience involving ‘palliative care.’ It was a really difficult time and following the experience, it opened my eyes to the importance of getting around the stigma of death, understanding the need to fulfil a patient’s final wishes, and spend the most amount of quality time possible with that person before they pass or when they pass.
Unfortunately, for all varied reasons some terminally ill people facing the end of their life do not always have that same support of having family close by, and sometimes when they do, their family members/carers can need that support just as much.
Last week here in Australia was National Volunteer Week, a celebration to recognise the generous contributions to our country’s volunteers, and I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most empathetic people I have come across in my life. They were palliative care patient volunteers, from Goulburn Valley Hospice.
At the beginning of our low-key catchup in the Queens Gardens, it felt like I was in the presence of something higher than life itself. All three of their faces where warm and friendly and instantly I knew I was surrounded by kind, and soft-hearted souls.
Between the three of them (Rob, Marija, and Lynne,) their time within their unique roles all exceeded 20+ years. Their reasons for getting into such giving positions were also similar. They all described a feeling that was like ‘someone calling them’ to reach out and help other people in need, including providing additional care to the loved ones who may be falling apart quietly on the side-lines.
Palliative care patient volunteers are like living angels, they are client focused and do not judge a person’s situation. They are a part of a world where life limiting illness, death and grief are managed with respect and compassion.
“Sometimes it can be as simple as just sitting with someone and holding their hand, letting them know they are not alone,” said Lynne.
“I’ve been told I make a good coffee, and sometimes I take family members out for a coffee, to just give them some time off, it can be so overwhelming for family to,” said Rob
“I enjoy talking with people. Everyone has their own intriguing story, sometimes I think we can be told things that their family may not have ever heard. We all must celebrate life, no matter the circumstances and the end date,” said Marija.
Goulburn Valley Hospice are always looking out for new patient volunteers, so if you think this may be something you would like to give your time to, please reach out to them. Their not-for-profit organisation offer a range of support to help improve the quality of life to individuals facing the end of their life and the people around them. Holistic care in the home.
