Providence St. Peter Foundation Annual Report 2012

More documents

Recommendations

Info

6 Hospice volunteer James Forest unloads groceries for a family.
Volunteers hold sacred space at the end of life Mason County resident James Forest first became a nurse in 1984. When his grandmother became ill, he became her primary caregiver. James says, “I had the privilege of being with my grandmother when she died, and that experience left an important mark on my life.” The experience so profoundly affected him that he decided to help hospice, serving others in their end-of-life care. In 2011, James became a hospice volunteer for Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice, which provides care to people in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties. Volunteers play many roles, including giving respite – a small break – three to four hours a week to caregivers who are caring for family members. When asked what makes a successful hospice volunteer, his response is quick, though somewhat unexpected: “Not being afraid of the dying process. It’s a natural journey, and accepting this process reflects a healthy attitude in our society that is growing.” James enjoys his volunteer activities. “My role varies from person to person and family to family,” he says. Sometimes he sits with a patient while the family is out, gets groceries, or helps by reading to the patient. “I fill a need for the family, whatever that is, and I establish a relationship with the primary caregiver so they feel comfortable leaving the home.” Over 200 Providence hospice volunteers serve the Thurston, Mason, Lewis county area. Sandy Powers is the volunteer manager for Providence Hospice. Additionally, Sandy has about 700 other Providence hospice volunteers in the Seattle-Everett area. According to Sandy, the respite program is absolutely essential, “When we’re exhausted, we aren’t at our best. When we can give those family members a rest, it helps them and their loved one.” Sandy says, “Volunteers, or anyone who is with someone at the end of life, needs to understand what being a peaceful presence is all about. To be a peaceful presence is to sit in the uncomfortable with another person, without fixing or curing. To hold that kind of space requires a lot of inner work.” James says, “While I was with my grandmother when she passed away, it doesn’t need to be family for you to be profoundly affected.” The 11th Hour, respite and comfort care programs at Providence SoundHomeCare & Hospice are all supported by generous donations to Providence St. Peter Foundation. For information on becoming a hospice volunteer, contact Hospice at 360.493.4689. “When we’re exhausted, we aren’t at our best. When we can give those family members a rest, it helps them and their loved one.” ~Sandy Powers, Providence Hospice Volunteer Manager 7
Page 1 and 2: Advancing the ministries of: Provid
Page 3 and 4: In addition to helping fund the new
Page 5: A patient suffering an acute stroke
Page 9 and 10: St. Peter Hospital’s award-winnin
Page 11 and 12: Compassionate care for our seniors
Page 13 and 14: 2012 Snapshot of Providence Care St
Page 15 and 16: Rebecca and Gerald Cross* Dr. Diane
Page 17 and 18: Dr. Dennis and Christine Peck* Dr.
Page 19 and 20: Elizabeth B. McDonnel Susan and Rob
Page 21 and 22: Daryl and Judy Jensen Daniel Johnso
Page 23 and 24: In Memory of: Michael P. Abbott Hel
Page 25 and 26: Frances Kramps Judy M. Lamm Andrew
Page 27 and 28: Animal Tributes In Honor of: Luci (

Providence St. Peter Foundation Annual Report 2012

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?