A Susanville Stuff Feature
by Melissa Blosser, Asssitant Editor
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 our Honey Lake Hospice provides to families every day.
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.
“When I was working as a registered nurse in the hospitals, I felt dying there was so cold and impersonal,” said Andria Cuypers, Coordinator. “It used to be so unusual to die at home, we are now able to provide comfort and care in the home.”
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 are the backbone and lifeblood of the program,” said Cuypers.
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.
“The other day one of our volunteers relieved a caregiver so he could go cut wood,” said Cuypers. “These are just some of the things we can do to help.”
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. Hospice provides a grief support group meeting at 6:30p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at the Susanville Library.
“We are always looking for more volunteers, people who can help spread the word or help with patient care,” said Cupers.
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.
Honey Lake Hospice will host their annual Light Up a Life Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 17th at Eagle Lake Village, 2001 Bunyan Rd. in Susanville.
For more information on Hospice or about end-of-life issues and bereavement call 257-3137
