Videos

Hospice Volunteer Vigil Interview (3:46)

Posted by Frances Shani Parker on September 1, 2014 at 8:38pm
Views: 61
Get Embed Code
Tags: hospice_volunteer_interview, hospice_volunteer_vigil_interview
The importance of being with a patient who doesn’t want to die alone is the reason many hospice programs are providing specialized volunteer vigil training. During vigil training, a volunteer is taught how to provide bedside support during the final days and hours of a patient’s life. Assistance for families is included. At some facilities, staff members also volunteer for vigil assignments. Vigils, which are based on a patient’s wishes, can include talking, praying, inspirational reading, playing music, performing rituals, touching and, of course, sharing silence. Reflecting the hospice philosophy, volunteer vigils help provide the patient with a more peaceful end-of-life experience.In this video, Kaitlyn Maire of Central Okanagan Hospice House shares her vigil experience. She says, “I just wanted to be there for somebody to know that person didn’t have to be alone.”Happy endings,Frances Shani Parkerhttp://www.francesshaniparker.com

You need to be a member of Hospice Community Forum to add comments!

Join Hospice Community Forum

Comments

  • Frances Shani Parker September 8, 2014 at 1:22pm

    I meant I was wondering why you didn't also play your harp music for the patient who had breast cancer that metastasized to the brain. I know you play music for patients sometimes when you volunteer. You mentioned the two of you didn't speak the same language and that you were successful with massage.

  • Greg Schneider September 8, 2014 at 1:13pm

    Hi Frances, I don't know her...I thought maybe she was an HCF member.  I will see if I can connect with her and get her to join us.  I have played for hundreds of patients over the last 10 years.  Hope all is well with you.

  • Frances Shani Parker September 8, 2014 at 12:29pm

    Greg, was there a particular reason you didn't play your harp music with her?

  • Greg Schneider September 8, 2014 at 7:57am

    Thanks Kaitlyn for sharing your experience vigiling and reflecting on the beauty of the hospice volunteer experience.  I personally had an experience in the first months of volunteering where a patient had breast cancer that metastasized to the brain.  As a result she lost the ability to speak English and reverted back to her native language of German.  So I was unable to communicate with her.  The only way I found to communicate was to hold her hand as well as doing foot and hand massage.  After weeks we created such a beautiful and loving bond without ever saying one word to one another. Thanks for having the courage to sit with others in their final days.

    Thanks Frances for sharing this interview.

    Blessings,

    Greg

This reply was deleted.
E-mail me when people leave their comments –
Follow
 

Blog Posts

CAREGIVERS STORE

Just Published!!
by Rashani Rea & Kathy Douglas

Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.

Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur. 

Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.

“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.” 

— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)

“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.” 

— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully

“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.” 

— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care 

Buy Now