Hospice covers far more than end-of-life care

Many of us have either used or know of someone who has been grateful for the services of the local hospice. I have a couple of friends right now who are volunteers for this life-saving program. Yes, life-saving sometimes.

Generally when people hear the term “hospice” they think of the angels who will come and sit by your bed when you’re ready for the next plane of existence. Death and dying are generally associated with this mostly volunteer-run and all-donation or fundraiser-supported program. But, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County would like you to know there is more.

A friend put me in touch with her contact at the program, Tracy Sturgell. I wanted to know just what hospice is and what all does it provide.

“We provide free nonmedical services,” she said. “This includes free respite care to caregivers of folks with life-limiting diseases or conditions like dementia and old age.

“While we do provide end-of-life support in the way of counseling and support groups, we do much more. Most recently added is the Threshold Choir. We’re really happy about this program, which brings music to the home or bedside of the afflicted, family or caregivers. We all know how much peace music can bring to a person! One or a couple of people may sing or play guitar or something — it’s lovely for making a more peaceful atmosphere.”

Another program I felt would be heavily used in Cambria is Pet Peace of Mind. How much love and peace our pets bring us! And when we may be in a position not to be able to walk or sometimes feed them, these volunteers will step in.

At times, pets may be put in foster homes until the client gets better or, in the case of an end-of-life situation, PPOM will do its best to find forever homes for the animals. One less thing for someone to think about.

In-home support includes (nonmedical) things like light housekeeping, companionship, complementary therapy (Reiki), running of errands, accompaniment to medical appointments and advocacy and empowerment. Equally important are in-home evaluations, referrals and simple adjustment to this illness or new condition you may be facing.

Understandably, Sturgell is always looking for ways to get this information out.

“While we are here for you or a loved one at the end of their life, we are so much more … any health situation that is life-limiting from either illness or accident, we are here to help you cope.”

Sometimes just having someone to call who can direct you to a service or resource is uplifting enough.

But, can you imagine having someone care for your beloved pet or come to your living room and sing softly to you? Perhaps you are adjusting to a new physical limitation and are overwhelmed and stressed. These trained volunteers may be an answer for you. Or at least they can help find an answer for you. And it’s free!

Hospice of SLO County offers training opportunities regularly throughout the county. Tracy told me that if we got enough volunteers in Cambria, the hospice would be happy to hold one here in town. The small paid staff that keeps the organization together and running and trains folks in the skill of hospice are eager to share this incredible gift. For more information, go to the Hospice of SLO County website at http://www.hospiceslo.org/workshops or call 544-2266. Make a difference in someone’s life. Make a difference in your own.And if you can’t donate time, a monetary donation will do as well.

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 10:43 AM with the headline "Hospice covers far more than end-of-life care."