| April 5,
2007 Section: Main Page: 08 Memo:Contact reporter Stephanie Eddy at seddy@idahostatesman.com or 377-6481. STEPHANIE EDDY Staff STEPHANIE EDDY |
| Staff Margaret Stevens, of Boise, was well into her 80s before she had her first massage. She hadn't really considered it until her XL Hospice provider suggested it. Now, she looks forward to the weekly therapeutic massage and the added benefit of a new friendship with her masseuse, Laura Donaldson. As licensed massage therapists specializing in oncology and geriatric massage, Donaldson and Debbi Powell, co-workers at Boise's Inspirations Therapeutic Massage, are two of many community volunteers who donate their time, talents and compassionate nature to help those entering the final stages of their lives."Hospice volunteers are special because of their compassion for those struggling with a terminal illness," said Sarah Bradbury, volunteer and outreach coordinator with XL Hospice. "This means going in with a non-judgmental attitude, ready to serve and love regardless of the mental, emotional, spiritual or physical state of the hospice patient. "Caregivers spend all of their waking hours and many sleepless nights caring for their loved one. It is essential that they receive breaks so that they can care for themselves. Ultimately, hospice keeps the patient comfortable and provides peace of mind for the family," she said.Stevens remains fully dressed and lies on her bed while Donaldson works on her legs, feet, hands, the back of the neck, head and scalp, she said. "Laura is a very pleasant person and very caring; we are very friendly. She makes you feel like you are a very close friend of hers. You feel awfully good when she is finished. Mentally, you feel good, too," Stevens said.Donaldson has been volunteering with XL Hospice for about a year. "With geriatric or cancer massage, you need to be more aware of the health of the client and what treatments they have and not be as invasive. You don't work as long or too deeply -- it's a lot of comfort work," Donaldson said. "Any massage therapist should consider volunteering for a hospice. It's such a gratifying thing. I get so much more than the people I sit with."All XL Hospice volunteers received training on how to work with hospice clients, make reports, deal with end of life issues and confidentiality requirements. Gail Summers, of Boise, has been a volunteer companion with hospice since 2004. She visits with clients for a couple hours, taking them for walks, reading to them or running errands, if needed."What I get out of it is a smile when I walk through the door," Summers said. "To know someone laughed today because of me, to know someone was a little less lonely. "For several (patients) I've had the privilege to visit with, it's the sweet kiss to my forehead or on my hand as I leave. Material things make some people happy for a while, but for me, taking time to put a person in need ahead of my time and my needs -- well, that's priceless," she said.Massage benefits aside, Stevens also had some thankful words to add about other services hospices provide. "It's worked very well for me. One lady comes in once a week to help with a shower. I have an excellent nurse and there is a very nice chaplain and a social worker who come," Steven said. "I may have done as well without them, but I wouldn't have felt as good about it."Why I serve Boisean Kathy Crawford and her poodle, Brandy, have been visiting nursing home patients for several years. When her sister-in-law used hospice services last year, Crawford decided to volunteer there, too."I was so impressed with the whole concept. When I connected with XL Hospice and had my first interview, I was sold," Crawford said. After a short training program, she and Brandy visited their first client who has Alzheimer's dementia. Although connecting with any new client can be a challenge, Crawford has found that Brandy is a great ice-breaker."The daughters of the lady I'm with now said that she used to remark she liked dogs better than people most of the time, so we thought she might appreciate a visit from a dog," Crawford said. "Those moments when she is lucid, she gets tickled to see the dog. Brandy lays her head on my lady's lap and waits to be petted." Crawford works full time as a software engineer and often visits her client during her lunch break. Other times, she visits during the evening or on weekends.Crawford and Brandy are currently working through pet therapy training and hope to be accepted at St. Luke's and add hospital patient visits to their volunteer itinerary. "You have a lot of flexibility, and it's such a small piece of your time to make a big difference. Sometimes it's easier for a stranger to visit than it is for family -- it's too heartbreaking," Crawford said. "If I can get them to laugh or feel a little more relaxed and cared for, then I've met my goal."To volunteer with XL Hospice, call 642-9222 in Payette, 365-6303 in Emmett or 888-6200 in Meridian. About hospice Hospice care provides terminally ill patients and their families with medical, physical, emotional and spiritual support and resources. It is open to anyone with a physician's referral saying that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.Costs for hospice care are covered by Medicare/ Medicaid and some private insurance companies . For anyone that does not qualify for other programs, free services may be available through Friends of XL Hospice. XL Hospice Inc. serves patients in seven counties, including Ada and Canyon. For more information or to volunteer, call XL Hospice at 642-9222 in Payette, 365-6303 in Emmett or 888-6200 in Meridian, or visit www.xlhospice.com.XL Hospice benefit Friends of XL Hospice is hosting "Under the Tuscan Moon," a live and silent auction from 6 to 9 p.m. April 27 at Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, 516 S. 9th St., Boise.Life's Kitchen will cater a gourmet Italian dinner along with wine, appetizers and dessert. A jazz trio will provide entertainment. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple. Proceeds benefit patients who lack financial resources to pay for hospice care. Contact Lynne Wade at 377-1311 or e-mail lwade80126@hotmail.com.Contact reporter Stephanie Eddy at seddy@idahostatesman.com or 377-6481.
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