Help Hospice Patients Create Memories That Last - Legacy Projects

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ORGANIZATION: Gentiva-Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice

Help Hospice Patients Make Memories Last - Legacy work isn't about death and dying, it's about life and living. It's about making connections and sharing precious moments with hospice patients. Take a moment and think about someone close to you who's died. A grandparent, parent or friend . . . it can be anyone. Were there any parts of themselves they left behind for you to remember? It could be anything: a recipe, picture, diary or family heirloom? It could be something as simple as a conversation the two of you had about what was important to him or her.

Intentional or not, we all leave behind these pieces of ourselves that others will remember us by. These memories, these mementos are our legacy.

A diagnosis of a terminal illness to a person often leads them to think about their legacy and what they're leaving behind. Initially, those thoughts may focus on financial matters. But as time passes, there's almost always a shift to the existential. Unfortunately, all too often, these thoughts stay thoughts and aren't actually put into motion. "Legacy work" is the process of transforming these thoughts into action. It's the act of sitting down and taking time to purposefully create something for the people you love and care about.

Legacy activities are a way for patients to share special moments with loved ones when someone has an advanced illness, and provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the events and people who have shaped it.

Help hospice patients turn thoughts into memories

  • A scrapbook of the patients pictures or keepsakes related to a particular time in the patient's life, a loved one or a favorite vacation
  • A collection of patients favorite recipes
  • A blanket made out of patients favorite T-shirts or other fabric items
  • A life review worksheet
  • Handprints of the patients hands in plaster
  • A video montage of patients advice, cherished memories or stories about their family history
  • Assist patient to write cards for future birthdays, holiday or special occasion to loved ones
  • A poem or a song patients family

Sometimes speaking is difficult for patients, activities that involve writing or creating things with their hands can be easier with help of a volunteer. Other times if writing is a challenge, patients could try doing a video or dictate it to a volunteer who can write it for them. Many times fatigue is a concern and help from a volunteer is greatly appreciated.

For more information please visit:

https://www.promedicahospice.org/find-an-agency/promedica-hospice-wichita/?contentIdString=14460&contentNameString=Volunteering

Contact Tiffany today to get started at (316) 895-1875 or e-mail tiffany.zarate@promedica.org.

Heartland Hospice changed name to Promedica Hospice.

More opportunities with Gentiva-Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice

No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.

About Gentiva-Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice

Location:

2872 North Ridge Road, Suite 122, Wichita, KS 67205, US

Mission Statement

The mission of Gentiva-Heartland Hospice is to provide quality care to patients with a limited life expectancy, as well as support to their caregivers. The quality of life for those we serve is enhanced through palliative and specialized supportive care designed to meet the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patients and caregivers. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team utilizing an approach to the care delivered to patients either in their own home or extended care facility; working cooperatively with area health care providers and other community resources. Heartland Hospice strives to provide care to all who are eligible and need hospice care irrespective of ability to pay. Hospice care is a promise....a promise to patients who are facing the most difficult time of life, when choices seem few, and the patient and family situation is most fragile.

Description

As a Hospice volunteer, you will be orientated to the Hospice Program so you can understand our philosophy and goals. This will enable you to have the skills needed to assist patients and their families. You will not be asked to become a family counselor, just a non-judgmental listener and friend.

As a volunteer you will love the sense of self-satisfaction you will receive from bringing special pleasure to someone's life. You will enjoy learning from the vast experience and colorful life of our patients and their families.

Also, if you are a member of a special interest group (a choir, drama club, garden club, etc.) you may want to volunteer your group for a special project or activity. Become an integral part of the Heartland team by becoming a Heartland Hospice Volunteer.

CAUSE AREAS

Arts & Culture
Community
Seniors
Arts & Culture, Community, Seniors

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

Multiple locations Wichita, KS 67205

(37.75647,-97.40569)
 

SKILLS

  • Family Therapy
  • Elder care
  • Visual Arts
  • Customer Service
  • History
  • Research

GOOD FOR

N/A

REQUIREMENTS

  • The amount of time you spend is up to you!

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