Why did you choose hospice care as a volunteer experience?
"Many people decide to be Hospice Volunteer because they have had an experience with hospice either with a family member or friend. My story is a little different. In 2017, my 16-year-old son was in a severe car accident. During the time following his accident, we encountered so many wonderful people…. the doctors, nurses, caretakers, townspeople, family, and friends. I specifically remember a special nurse in Bangor, her name was Heidi as well. She was so kind, caring, and the part that was so memorable for me was that she not only cared for our son, which was most important for us, but she also showed so much compassion and care for us as his parents, as well, making sure we were okay. As time moved forward and my son gained his independence back, now being an amputee, I started feeling the need to give back. I realized I wanted to be that special person for others in their time of need; I wanted to be that person for families during some of the hardest times in their lives. I was at the Aroostook House of Comfort a couple of times as a visitor, and each time I had a feeling of being drawn there and realized that it was there that I could give back. My hope is to help make it a comforting experience for patients and families."
How long have you volunteered at AHOC?
"In May of this year, I will have volunteered for 4 years at the Aroostook House of Comfort in hopes of many, many more years to come. I tell people it is my side gig, as I have been employed at The County Federal Credit Union for 34 years. My volunteer time is mainly on the weekends, but I have had a couple of occasions when I was asked if I could come in during the week as they were in need of extra help. I am so fortunate that Credit Unions are such big supporters of their employees volunteering their time in their communities."
How does your work help the patients, families, and your community?
"I feel my work helps the patients in their final days, whether it be preparing a certain food or meal they would like to have or helping with an event such as celebrating Christmas in November, a special anniversary or birthday. We also have patients who, unfortunately, have no family, and sometimes, just sitting and talking can give them great comfort. It makes them realize that they do have people who care about them, and they are not alone. Volunteers often spend a lot of time with the families and making sure their needs are met as well. Making sure they are eating and drinking, resting, etc., as these are all things we tend to forget about for ourselves when we are so focused on our loved ones. Sometimes a family member just needs to walk away, and I may sit with them in our gorgeous common area and allow them to just take a break and sit and talk or even cry. It takes their mind off things for just a bit. My volunteer time helps the community because we can support the doctors and nurses, which in turn allows us to continue to have a wonderful facility for our community. In November of 2024, I lost a very special person in my life, she was my cousin but was more like my sister. When she passed, it was just her and I, when she took her last breath. At that moment, I was not afraid or fearful, and that was because of what I learned from the nurses at AHOC. It was just a peaceful moment, and I was so thankful for that and for what I learned from them. I hope that in turn, I can help do the same for families at our facility."
What is special about the Aroostook House of Comfort?
"How can I even summarize how special the Aroostook House of Comfort is? More than once I have heard families say that they didn’t know that AHOC even existed until they needed it, and now they are so happy to have found out about it. I have used these words more than once with families—the Aroostook House of Comfort allows family members to have some rest while our specialized team cares for their loved one. It enables family members to sit by their loved one’s bedside and hold their hand and concentrate on being a husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter. They don’t have to worry about administering medications or tending to the needs that a hospice patient may have; they can be their family member once again, instead of being the caretaker. The Aroostook House of Comfort makes it feel more like a home and not a hospital during their final days. And that is what makes it so special."
What is most rewarding?
"One of the most rewarding parts of being a hospice volunteer is knowing I was part of helping to fulfill their last wishes. An example is bringing a patient outside, knowing it might be the last time they are able to go outside. Cooking or baking something that they want, knowing it might be the last food they eat. What might seem like something so small often means the world to them. The other reward is just being there for the family members and developing lifelong connections. I know I have made a difference when I meet up with family members, weeks or months after their loved one has passed, and often there is a big hug or even tears followed by "I will never forget you and how you were there for us during our difficult time". The hug and or tears touch my heart and reassure me that choosing to be an AHOC volunteer has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I always say when I walk into AHOC to volunteer, my heart is full and when I leave my heart is even more full."
If you have questions about becoming a hospice volunteer or need more information, click to learn more.
