The end of life is not something any of us often think about until we are faced with it. Having the support and care of a special person to guide you through the process is a service that Honey Lake Hospice provides to families in Lassen County every day of the year.
Hospice is a program of flexible services that provides compassionate care wherever a terminally ill patient chooses to live, as opposed to passing away in a hospital facility.
Honey Lake Hospice is an all-volunteer organization which has been providing services since 2004.
The patient volunteers are specifically trained to work with patients, their families and the interdisciplinary teams which may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, clergy and funeral directors.
The volunteers typically provide supportive care for both the patient and family, pain control and symptom management, and provide care in the setting of the patient’s choice.
Volunteers often assist the caregiver of the patient providing them relief in the form of respite care. This can include help with errands, light housekeeping, companionship, emotional support, facilitating family communication, and provide guidance of legal resources associated with end of life.
Hospice also provides bereavement support helping the family even after the person has passed. Bereavement support can include workshops and support groups, social opportunities and books and videos.
Volunteers are needed in the areas of patient care, community speaking, public relations, fundraising, annual tree lighting and the resource library.
November is National Hospice Awareness month and Honey Lake Hospice has come a long way since they started in 2004, creating more awareness about their organization and serving the Susanville, Janesville, Milford, Herlong, Doyle, Ravendale and Eagle Lake areas.
Annual Light Up a Life Tree Lighting Ceremony
You are invited to join Honey Lake Hospice at Eagle Lake Village this Saturday for their annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 23rd at Eagle Lake Village.
This heartwarming tree-lighting event will be followed by an indoor reception with refreshments.
Those wishing to honor loved ones may purchase a light and have the loved ones name inscribed on a dove and placed on the hospice tree.
Lights may be purchased at Margie’s Book Nook, Plumas Bank or from any Honey Lake Hospice volunteer. Your contribution is $10 per light or $100 for a ‘perpetual’ light.
For more information on Hospice or about end-of-life issues and bereavement call 257-3137.
