Volunteer Spotlight - Meg
/GET TO KNOW MEG
Meg joined the Olive Grove Hospice team as a People Support Volunteer in February.
What was your first impression of Olive Grove Hospice and it’s staff?
From the first contact email I received I could tell this was a group that truly cared about its mission and the people it serves, it was not just a business. Every staff member I have met since I have started is so warm and caring and passionate about the people and families in their program.
What do you wish other people knew about Olive Grove Hospice?
I wish that people could know how committed Olive Grove Hospice is to making comfort care a dignified and caring experience for the people in their program. They cover more than just the physical aspects of comfort care, they also offer emotional support for everyone involved.
Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to volunteer with hospice?
My mother had bladder cancer and was in a hospice program for the last 4 months of her life. She, and us as her family, felt so supported by the staff and volunteers who helped us. They ensured she did not suffer any undue discomfort but was coherent and able to make those 4 months a peaceful time to visit with her family on a schedule that she chose. When she passed, they did not stop caring, they kept in contact with us to see how we were coping emotionally.
What's your personal philosophy about end-of-life care and the role of hospice?
I personally am a strong believer in the role of hospice and end of life care. Society is different now, most people work outside the home and are not always available to care for a family member on their own. Hospice provides a dignified option of care and support that is not always available in a busy hospital setting.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with Olive Grove Hospice?
I have been doing volunteer work since I was 13 years old and have always found that I get back emotionally as much as I give and that is especially true with Olive Grove Hospice. They give their volunteers the tools and training to help make a difference and make us feel valued for doing the work.
What do you do when you aren't volunteering?
I am a total “word nerd” which makes me a voracious reader and player of Scrabble and Words with Friends. I love to travel and spend time with my three grandchildren. I plan to retire in the next few years and hope to raise a puppy to be a volunteer service dog visitor.