Contributed by Sarah Imme
Ancora Home Health & Hospice
Tacos – we all love them! Imaging being able to combine a shared interest in food with creating a memorable connection that will last a lifetime.
There is an undeniable boost to your mood when you meet with a good friend, share a special moment with someone, or just encounter a kind stranger. Unfortunately, as some people prepare for end of life, they don’t have the support they may need or want and there is a longing for the company of others. Alternatively, some people may have all the support imaginable, but they still want to share new experiences with others. That’s what hospice volunteers are for.
Volunteers are offered to all hospice patients as an additional resource and benefit on top of the other services hospice provides. As every patient’s situation is different, as are the roles of volunteers. Patient visits offer a myriad of opportunities to suit both the patient and the volunteer. From sharing music, reading a good book, attending special events, providing pet therapy, trying your hand at arts and crafts, writing or journaling, or veteran-to-veteran support – the options are endless.
In some cases, the answers are surprising, such as in the instance of tacos. For one patient who had excellent support and was surrounded in love, a simple request to Ancora’s Volunteer Coordinator for tacos created a friendship and experience he looked forward to weekly. Phil had a lot of support from his friends and hospice team, but when asked what more his hospice team could do for him, tacos was the answer. Our lovely long-term volunteer, Bud, was the man for the job, and the two hit it off immediately, bonding over tacos and good conversation. Even if tacos aren’t your strength, we can guarantee that there is a match out there for you with someone with similar interests.
To put it mildly: volunteers are exceptional humans who selflessly share their time and talents with others. If you’re unsure if volunteering would be a good fit for you, or if you have no past experience, please know that at Ancora Hospice training and ongoing support is provided from day one to ensure our volunteers are comfortable, confident and ready; all you need to be willing to provide is companionship and compassion.
If you would like to learn more about volunteering, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators at either our Anchorage (907.561.0700) or Wasilla (907.561.9240) locations, or visit our website (ancoraalaska.com).
Choose to make a difference in the lives of others!
Pictured is Ancora Hospice Volunteer, Bud, with his companion, Phil, during one of their Taco Tuesday visits.