All Care Hospice honors volunteers

The Daily Item of Lynn / May 14, 2008

April was National Volunteer Month and organizations across the country celebrated the contributions of dedicated volunteers who embody caring and help make life better for others. All Care honored hospice volunteers, who bring compassion and support to the lives of those facing a life-limiting illness.

Hospice volunteers are integral members of the dedicated team of professionals who provide hospice and palliative care. Hospice volunteers bring companionship to people in the final months and weeks of life, respite to families and caregivers, and support in fundraising and administrative efforts by hospice organizations.

According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, approximately 400,000 people actively volunteer in the nation’s 4,100 hospice organizations annually, providing more than 16 million hours of service annually.

Here in the North Shore, more than 50 active volunteers provide roughly 200 hours per year to help All Care take care of patients and families in our community. Many people become hospice volunteers after experiencing firsthand the compassionate care hospice provided to a dying loved one.

“Hospice volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling All Care to offer the best care possible for patients living with life-limiting illness, their families, and caregivers. By sharing their time, energy, and expertise, our volunteers bring compassion and caring to the lives of those in need,” said Shawn Potter, All Care President and CEO.

To salute those individuals who are an integral part of the hospice team, All Care Hospice recently hosted an appreciation dinner on Wednesday April 16, 2008 at 6pm at Spinelli’s in Lynnfield. This dinner recognized the special contributions of hospice volunteers and publicly thanked those who give so much to others throughout the year.

To learn more about this special event or to become a hospice volunteer, please contact Jessica Contarino at 781-586-1608 x 510.