Being a Hospice Volunteer Is Like "Winning the Lottery"

Susan Fagan
Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteer

For Susan Fagan, being a volunteer for Hospice of Palm Beach County, means being prepared for anything, even three-hour trips to Publix Supermarkets. Susan, 62, became a patient visitor in August 2007, and one of her most memorable assignments was helping the wife of a patient run her errands. As the primary caregiver, the wife needed a reprieve to focus on something other than her husband's care. This often meant weekly, extended visits to Publix, where the wife and Susan would travel down each aisle, closely inspecting produce, evaluating meats and comparing prices.

"I came to know the folks in the deli, produce and meats sections really well," said Susan with a laugh. "She was a sweet lady. She loved the outings because she could relax and release some of the pressures she endured from her daily responsibilities at home."

A listening ear, a calm manner, a sense of humor, and an interest in others are the qualifying characteristics of a good Hospice volunteer, according to Susan. No matter how the patients' situations or needs may differ, the volunteer should always demonstrate caring, warmth and respect.

Susan did this by noticing one patient's love of music and taking her down to her nursing home's dining area, so she could listen to visiting performers. When the patient could no longer be moved, Susan sang to her herself, even on her last day of life. Other times, as with one patient who is suffering from dementia, she sits, makes small talk and smiles.

"She doesn’t talk much, so there is a lot of smiling at each other," Susan said.

Susan's first experience with hospice care was with her mother, who needed the services in New York. After her mother passed, Susan decided to call Hospice of Palm Beach County and find out about volunteering.

An average day could mean having cake with a 91-year-old birthday boy and making him laugh with the promise of 'dancing ladies,' or taking a patient out for coffee. But most of the time, it means paying attention. Patients in nursing homes often feel forgotten or ignored, so a little conversation goes a long way. Susan says the goodwill flows both ways.

"When I say it’s been my pleasure as I leave them, I mean it," she said. "I go in with the outlook that I made an improvement in their day. One gentleman said to me, 'you made my day,' and it was like winning the lottery to me. You make a difference."

To learn more about Hospice of Palm Beach County's volunteer program, visit www.hpbc.com or call (561) 227-5138.