It’s National Volunteer Week and Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice are celebrating their dedicated volunteers. Those volunteers deliver much needed care to people during what is arguably the toughest time of their lives.
WGVU talks with one local volunteer who seeks to comfort those in need.
“What hospice means to me is having the ability to impact somebody’s journey at the end of their life. It’s wonderful to be able to help, not only the patient, but to support their families as they go through a very tough part of the life cycle.”
That’s Beth Legg. A volunteer with Hospice of Michigan. She’s one of countless volunteers across the nation and in our state that are being celebrated. National Volunteer Week runs until April 24th. The not for profits say they rely on volunteers every day across the state to deliver compassionate care to patients. Beth says she’s been volunteering for about ten years. I asked her about the emotional impact it might have on her, she says it actually helps her to comfort others during this part of their journey.
“I give back and get back more in that situation, than any discomfort that I might feel providing that support. Often times in my own life, it gives me great perspective, because as I sit with them, I know they may not have tomorrow, so in my day to day life, whether it’s with my family or my friends or my kids, I know if I have a bad day, that’s it, it’s a bad day and I can wake up the next morning and I have another chance.”
Officials with Hospice of Michigan say since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering was sustained by shifting from in-person to virtual volunteer visits. Beth says she’s taken to hand writing letters to those she serves. But adds, she’s anxious to get back. in.
“I can’t wait to get back face to face and look somebody in the eye, and they can see the smiles in my eyes. Because I know that that touch can make someone’s day.”
You can learn more about becoming a volunteer with Hospice of Michigan by going to hom.org
