If You Can Do Just One Thing to Make the World a Better Place, Volunteer!

Today, we all lead busy lives. Even those who have retired find their spare time quickly fills up  with babysitting, family gatherings, grandkids’ sporting events and concerts, or simply enjoying activities we never had enough time for until now. 

With all this “busy-ness,” it may seem challenging to find time to volunteer. However, those who do say the rewards are great.  Numerous studies show volunteering to help others can reduce stress, lift sprits and provide greater meaning and purpose in your life. 

Choosing the right volunteer opportunity is the key.  Hospice of the Western Reserve offers many options. If you have a special hobby or talent, we’ll even work with you to create a personalized volunteer experience that lets you bring it to life to help others. What could be better that volunteering to do something you love? 

 Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting or sewing?  Many of our volunteers enjoy creating textured lap blankets for dementia patients or creating pretty customized pillows to relieve discomfort. Best of all, you can choose to work on the projects from your own home or to enjoy socializing with a group sewing circle that gets together every other month.

 Many of our volunteers especially enjoy working directly with patients. Some volunteer at one of the three in-patient hospice houses while others prefer visiting patients at assisted living communities, hospitals, nursing homes or in the patients’ own homes  Volunteers may assist with hands-on care (with some additional training) or they can simply choose to read to patients, play board games or provide companionship in other ways. 

 Some of our volunteers have a special calling and find it spiritually rewarding to be part of our “By Your Side” program which provides vigil support near the very end of life. At Hospice of the Western Reserve, we believe no one needs to die alone. Support is often provided by our volunteers who sit by the bedside to providing a comforting presence for this deeply meaningful role.

 Have you served in the Armed Forces?  Volunteers who are veterans often find it especially meaningful volunteering some time to provide companionship to patients who are fellow veterans. 

 Pet therapy is one of the most frequently requested services from our patients.  If you are interested in having your dog certified as a Pet Therapy Dog, we’d love to work with you and have you and the dog join us!

  Flexibility is a hallmark of volunteering at Hospice of the Western Reserve. You let us know when you are available, and you also have the ability to reject volunteer assignments without question or judgment. To learn more or to access the volunteer application online, visit hospicewr.org/volunteer or call us at 216-255-9090.  Free training, TB testing and background checks are provided.

Nikki Matala

Resident of neighborhood since 1956. Worked on East 185th street since 1970.

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Volume 9, Issue 3, Posted 3:59 PM, 03.09.2017