Advertisement. Advertise with us

Helios Care salutes its volunteers

[Editor’s note: This week’s “News from the Noteworthy” comes from Tammy Christman, Director of Community Outreach and Volunteer Services for Helios Care.]

April 17-23 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and organizations across the country are celebrating the wonderful works of volunteers. The value of hospice volunteers cannot be overstated. The desire to give time and talents freely, to those on the end-of-life journey, emanates from a heart of compassion and a spirit of giving.

Whether providing direct or indirect support, volunteers are an integral part of our team. Helios Care’s exceptional volunteers use their gifts and skills to help provide patients, caregivers, and families with the most peaceful and comfortable end-of-life experience possible. Our outstanding office and fundraising volunteers also work diligently behind the scenes to contribute towards this best possible care for patients and families.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the hospice benefit provided by Medicare, and Helios Care has provided care to members of our communities since the early 1980s. What began as hospice care delivered solely by volunteers and clergy has since developed into expert medical care provided to individuals in their home or place of residence as well as support for the caregiver and families. Even as the organization has grown, volunteers have continued to be critical members of our team.

As a condition of funding for hospice care, Medicare requires the total number of hours that hospice volunteers contribute must equal at least five percent of the total number of patient care hours provided by paid hospice employees and contract staff. For the past two years, because of the pandemic, this requirement has been waived — but Helios Care volunteers have continued to serve in a variety of ways.

It is a great honor to share that in 2021, the incredible Helios Care volunteer team provided a cost savings of $113,596.80, drove 19,137 miles and contributed 7% of patient care hours. Thank you!!!

You might think it would be too hard to be a volunteer for hospice. It can be, but there are so many different opportunities to help. These include spending time with patients, delivering flowers for special occasions, calling families weekly to check-in with them, staffing fundraising events or helping with the Helios Care Thrift Shop and Boutique.

A current volunteer recently shared that “the reward is so much bigger for me than it is for the patients and their families.”

Helios Care Volunteers exemplify the special heart and spirit of hospice. Our volunteers share their time and talents in countless ways, and they are, without a doubt, an essential part of our interdisciplinary team. This week and throughout the year, we honor and celebrate our outstanding volunteers.

 The entire team at Helios Care, with deep respect and gratitude, thanks all of our volunteers for making such a meaningful difference to those we serve during one of life’s most precious times.

 You can learn more about Helios Care by calling 607-432-6773 or by visiting www.helioscare.org

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Articles

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO: 06-05-23

HAPPENIN’ OTSEGO for MONDAY, JUNE 5 Learn To Paint In Water Colors ART CLASS – 6-8 p.m. Learn “Water Color Fundamentals” with artist Emily Falco. Registration required. Class held Mondays through June 19. Cost, $90/non-member. Held in the studio behind the Community Arts Network of Oneonta, Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Avenue, Oneonta. (607) 432-2070 or visit facebook.com/CANOneonta DINE FOR A CAUSE—Each Monday and Tuesday through June 6, eat out at Eighty Main and a percentage of the proceeds will go to raise awareness of and support for local non-profit Helios Care. Eighty Main, 80 Main Street, Delhi. (607) 432-6773 or visit facebook.com/helioscarehospice…

News from the Noteworthy: Examining the ‘Good Death,’ End-of-Life Needs

News from the Noteworthy from Helios Care Examining the ‘Good Death,’ End-of-Life Needs What does it mean to have “a good death?” This isn’t a question many of us proactively ask ourselves. In fact, most people don’t really like to talk about endings, let alone dying. As a culture, we are often uncomfortable using the words “dying” or “died,” often substituting phrases like “passed away” or “lost.” So it makes sense that reflecting on what we and our loved ones need during our last days can feel daunting.…

Ayres: Helios Care Honors Aide at Opry

At intermission, Helios Care honored Paula Morrell, one of our home health aides, who is retiring after 33 years of service to the organization. Helios Care held a private reception in celebration of Paula’s retirement for her family and friends. Paula Morrell has long been known as “the face” of hospice, as she has touched the lives of so many.…

Putting the Community Back Into the Newspaper

Now through March 30, new annual subscribers to “The Freeman’s Journal” and AllOtsego.com (or subscribers who have lapsed for two or more years) have an opportunity to help their choice of one of four Otsego County charitable organizations.

$5.00 of your subscription will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice:

Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Cooperstown Food Pantry, Greater Oneonta Historical Society or Super Heroes Humane Society.