I became interested in becoming a hospice volunteer through a friend who was working as a nurse with High Peaks Hospice.
A little background as to why I decided to become a hospice volunteer. I’m not able to work and I love to do for others so I figured this would be a perfect fit for me, and it is! I have been volunteering at High Peaks for a year now and I love it! I’ve met some great people who have welcomed me into their homes and their hearts. A lot of people say to me “I don’t know how you do it, isn’t it just watching people die?!” Boy, are they wrong!
When I meet my patients I get to know them and their families. Then I see what my patients’ interests are and that becomes my focus. During my time spent with them I try to make it special, try to take their mind off what they are going through. Whether it’s coloring, planting a garden together or bringing them their favorite food, or things they have on their bucket list. Not only is my heart so full by helping these patients, I get to make new friends with their family members who are also very important to me. ~ Jill Galusha