Comfort & Companionship During A Hospice Patient's Final Hours - N. Andover

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There are times in our lives when we don’t want to be alone - for many of us, this includes when we are dying. The vigil program at Hospice Services of Massachusetts allows us to accompany patients so they are not alone in the last day or two of life. A vigil might allow family members to get some sleep, enjoy a meal, and take a break. For those who don’t have loved ones by their side, a vigil can provide the kind of comfort that can only be offered by another human being. Hospice volunteers enhance the quality of life and help reduce the burden for family caregivers by providing support, assistance, in patient’s homes, in nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Vigils often include soft light, LED candles, soothing music, softly spoken encouraging words, comforting touch, hand holding, placement of cool washcloths on foreheads, and someone to be with the patient during the journey from this life.

Hospice volunteers can commit to as little or as much time as they wish. Some volunteers provide several hours of service each week while others commit to a few hours each month. Serving as valued members of the hospice team, for just a few hours of your time you can make a significant impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones.