 The foundation recently gave $7,543.05 to Memorial Home Services for
the "final wish" fund, a new program. It was launched because
patients often lament that they didn't do or experience all they
wanted to when they had the chance. The new fund will help turn
those wishes into realities for many patients.
The donation was made possible by contributions to Light Up a
Life, the annual campaign that pays tribute to loved ones. Ornaments
in their honor are hung in the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
lobby, and gifts to the campaign are used to benefit patient care.
"Memorial Home Services fills a tremendous need to hospice
patients and their families," said Marty Ahrends, executive director
of the foundation. "We feel it is fitting that Light Up a Life
donations can help brighten the last moments of these patients'
lives."
Memorial Home Services seeks volunteers
Glenda Downing, a Lincoln resident, joined the group for the
check presentation. Both her mother and brother used hospice
services, and she feels it's important for the community to support
hospice services.
"We didn't have to worry. They took such good care of both of
them," Downing said. "As a caregiver, I realized I needed some help.
When I retired I thought, 'What can I do to help?' so I decided to
volunteer."
Once a week she sits with a patient, often to give family members
respite, or offers light housework.
Amy Evans, hospice volunteer and community education coordinator,
said there's a tremendous need for volunteers, particularly in Logan
County.
Prior to becoming a volunteer, individuals must complete a brief
interview as well as attend a six-session training course.
"Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice program,
providing companionship, assisting with errands and chores, offering
bereavement support, and even offering assistance in the hospice
office," said Ronda Dudley, director of home health and hospice at
Memorial Home Services.
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Hospice support also continues after the death of a loved one
with bereavement care extended to family and friends, Dudley said.
Volunteers support family and friends while they are grieving by
attending funerals or memorial services, maintaining phone contact
during the bereavement period, and providing emotional support and
companionship as well as education about the grief process, she
said.
"Volunteers are an integral part of our team. Our families
greatly benefit from their assistance," Dudley said. "Each volunteer
brings his or her unique talents and abilities to their work with
patients. That's the great thing about being a volunteer.
Individuals can give of their time in a number of ways."
(Hospice
seeks volunteers)
Both Memorial Home Services and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
are affiliates of Memorial Health System, based in Springfield.
Memorial Home Hospice serves 14 counties in central Illinois.
[Text from file received
from Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Hospital]
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