“You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life, and
we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you
die.”
-Dame Cicely Mary Saunders
Founder of the modern day hospice movement.
Special Programs For Our Patients *
(Please click on link to see flier.)
Sometimes our patients require something extra special... something unique, something
made with loving hands to keep them warm, a visit by a furry friend or a soothing
massage.
Family Hospice Care offers the following special programs for our patients, carried
out by our caring and compassionate volunteers.
Comfort Shawls Program (Please click on link to see flier.)
Providing close-knit comfort....The shawls don't start as much more than a few rows
of stitches, but the end product offers comfort to hospice patients and their families.
Each shawl is created with good thoughts and blessings for the patient who will
eventually receive it. One of Family Hospice Care's patients said upon receiving
a comfort shawl, “This creation was an expression of love and care, and I wrap myself
in its warmth to feel its unspoken message of love.” Our volunteer comfort shawl
knitters often say that knitting a comfort shawl is how they can give something
tangible to a very special stranger and that it's a privilege to be able to contribute
to someone's comfort.
Flower Therapy Program
Who doesn't like to get flowers? For the Flower Therapy Program at Family Hospice
Care, flowers are currently donated by Trader Joe's and re-purposed to create beautiful
and colorful arrangements. Volunteers and/or staff then set off to deliver the flowers
to patients. There are roses, lilies, gladiolas, lavenders, carnations, greens,
and a host of other flowers. Flowers can help put a smile on a patient's face, brighten
their day and spirits, and bring a little joy into their lives.
Hair Cut Program
Who doesn't feel better after a good haircut? Haircuts are our most popular Special
Program provided by our hospice volunteers. Family Hospice Care patients living
with a serious illness are often unable to leave their residence to enjoy this valuable
service. Our hair stylist goes to wherever our patients live and strives to give
his clients comfort and a good feeling about themselves, leaving them looking their
best. He also knows that companionship means just as much as a clean cut. Our patients
are left feeling rejuvenated, with improved self-esteem, and happier after their
hair cut. If a patient's caregiver needs a haircut, they get one too!
Life Stories Program
The value of documenting a patient's life story is immeasurable. The life review,
as sometimes manifested by nostalgia and reminiscence, is a natural healing process.
Some of the positive results of a life review can be the righting of old wrongs,
making up with estranged family members or friends, coming to accept one's mortality,
gaining a sense of serenity, pride in accomplishment, and a feeling of having done
one's best. The patient dictates the life story to the volunteer and then transcribed
by the volunteer. The completed life story is given to the patient/family for approval
and editing prior to completion.
Massage Therapy Program
Carried out by a certified massage therapist, each session is individualized, with
special consideration given to the unique situation and needs of the hospice patient.
Simple, careful touch of the human hand is one of the most ancient and effective
means for relieving discomfort in the body. Pain control is often a primary concern
for hospice patients, and massage is an excellent non-pharmacological modality for
reducing or alleviating pain. Touch reinforces the wholeness of the individual,
regardless of what may be happening to his or her body and mind. The physical connection
reassures the person that he or she is not alone. Massage is an excellent way to
enhance quality of life for a hospice patient. It can help restore feelings of self-acceptance
and self-esteem to a person whose body has been invaded by a debilitating disease.
Memory Bears Program (Please click on link to see flier.)
A Memory Bear is a Teddy bear that volunteers sew using either an article of clothing
from a loved one who has died with fabric donated by the family/caregiver, or fabric
the volunteer has available. The finished bear is then gifted to a surviving member
of the family/significant others of the deceased patient. Interested volunteer sewers
are recruited and the interdisciplinary staff explains the project to the families
they think might benefit. The volunteer delivers the completed bear to the surviving
family with a neck tag around the bear that says, “Made by Family Hospice Care”.
Time is spent with the family to allow them to share their emotions and thoughts
about the bear and about their loved one.
Pet Therapy Program
(Please click on link to see flier)
Certified therapy dogs visit Family Hospice Care patients to give them some canine
comfort and care. Pet therapy programs benefit patients physically and emotionally.
There's a special way that animals connect with people that is different from the
way people connect with people. The animals always just seem to know what the person
needs and takes cues from them. Some patients just sit quietly while petting the
dog next to them, while others begin to talk and relive old memories. Therapy dogs
provide companionship, supportive listening and symptom management to hospice patients.
Patients who are dealing with end-of-life issues find comfort in holding, petting
and talking to their four-legged visitors.
* Please note that not all Special Programs are offered in every city that Family
Hospice Care serves. Please call our Volunteer Department for more information.