Family Hospice recognizes and welcomes volunteers

Family Hospice recognizes and welcomes volunteers

April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, gratefully acknowledges the dedicated volunteers who support Family Hospice patients and family members. Volunteers provide essential comfort and compassion for patients who have life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.

"Family Hospice volunteers are 'Silent Angels' who are compassionate, kind and loving," shares Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Zimmerman-Moyer. "They see the value of being present with a hospice patient while providing caregiver relief to family member. They also understand the importance of walking with someone in their grief journey. They know that grief is just love with no place to go, and they understand with that major loss comes new beginnings."

The Blair County Family Hospice team includes Betty Friedenberger of Altoona, Pastor Joe Hollen of Fallentimber, Gina Itle of Martinsburg, Vicki Johns of Hollidaysburg, Natalie Johnson of Duncansville, Michele Lloyd of Duncansville, Sharon Long of Hollidaysburg, Becky Mathers of Altoona, Sherry Merritts of Tyrone, Denice Rodaniche of Altoona, Sharon Troy of Hollidaysburg and Barb White of Warriors Mark.

Family Hospice volunteers embrace the opportunity and privilege to support patients and their caregivers through a significant and inevitable season of life. Hospice volunteers make an impact in various ways, such as visiting with patients, providing relief for caregivers, assisting with clerical tasks, making phone calls, communicating with grieving family members and more. Family Hospice is recruiting additional volunteers to join the current team.

Having joined the Family Hospice volunteer team in 2017, Itle serves local families through patient visits and supporting bereaved families through calls, notes and cards.

"I've always had a tug in my heart to care for those in their last days and for the families that surround them," Itle says. "I lost my mother many years ago, yet I still miss her. I enjoy visiting with the patients, having little chats and sharing music. They often surprise me with their responses and sweet smiles. I always get more than I give."

Volunteer involvement is determined by the individual's skills, desires and schedule. Volunteers are good listeners who display flexibility, understanding and empathy. The time commitment for a volunteer can vary from several times per month to weekly. There are differing volunteer opportunities to match the strength and availability of volunteers. Specialized training is provided for new volunteers.

For more information or to apply for serving as Family Hospice volunteer, contact Zimmerman-Moyer by phone at 814-502-5948 or email at [email protected].

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