BALLARAT Hospice Care prides itself on providing quality, holistic palliative care to the terminally ill at home, with a group of specialist nurses at the front.<\/p>\n
But also part of the Hospice team are dedicated volunteers. In a myriad of supportive roles, they work with patients, with the public, and behind the scenes, to ensure service delivery is smooth.<\/p>\n
With Australia in the middle of National Volunteer Week, Ballarat Hospice Care is celebrating these people who give their personal time, so others with a life-limiting illness can have the best home care experience possible, and their carers, family, friends have the help and support they need.<\/p>\n
One of these volunteers is Mary Douglas, who first connected with Ballarat Hospice Care more than 10 years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce my husband reached palliative care, he said, \u2018I\u2019m going home.\u2019 I had caring experience, but no great nursing experience, so my GP put me in contact with Hospice Care and they taught me so much,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could not have done what I had to do without their support, teaching of methods, and ways to deal with situations. I thought, if I could give back to Hospice, help somebody else at the end of their life, and make it easier on the family, then it would be a wonderful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the current climate, Mrs Douglas is providing supportive care seven days a week. As a volunteer, she usually relieves carers to give them a break, or can elect to just transport patients to appointments if she needs her own time to rest.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes carers might just want to meet a friend and have a cup of coffee, they might want to do the weekly shopping, or they might have to go to their own medical appointments. Each case is different,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Her role has helped her own personal development and is \u201ctremendously\u201d rewarding.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy patience has grown, and I have greater empathy for people. I have a greater acceptance of peoples\u2019 attitudes, or mood swings. I know that what may appear to be a very harsh statement from a client, is often just a result of their stress,\u201d Mrs Douglas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe gratitude and feedback is so rewarding. People are thankful knowing there\u2019s someone there that can guide them, give them advice, just listen to them when they\u2019re having a bad day, and not be judgemental.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fulfilling to know you\u2019re able to make things easier for somebody else, and to know you\u2019re trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Ballarat Hospice Care CEO, Carita Clancy, the not-for-profit\u2019s volunteers change lives and make a difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur volunteers are a highly valued part of Ballarat Hospice Care\u2019s service and connection to our community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur volunteers are the face of our op shop, raising vital funds for the service. There are volunteers who help us behind the scenes, cleaning our motor vehicles, coordinating the warehouse that supplies the op shop, helping us with events and providing a personal community touch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community-based volunteers also fundraise for Hospice, and others in the supportive care area, like Mrs Douglas, are companions to the terminally ill, providing respite.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteers give back in so many ways. They enhance and enrich our services,\u201d Ms Clancy said.<\/p>\n