2009 Year in Review

HRRV Celebrates National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is April 19 through 25 and Hospice of the Rock River Valley is honoring its volunteers who bring hope, dignity, and love to those facing a life-limiting illness.

Hospice and palliative care volunteers make sure that the people they care for and their families find hope within each day, have their dignity preserved, and are surrounded by love even at the final moments of life. Most hospice volunteers choose to give their time helping others because of their own experiences with the compassionate care hospice provided to their dying loved one.

Hospice began in this country about 30 years ago as a largely, volunteer-driven community movement, and volunteers continue to be at the heart of hospice. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are an estimated 400,000 hospice volunteers providing more than 16 million hours of service to hospice programs each year. The typical hospice volunteer devoted 45.1 hours of time last year.

At Hospice of the Rock River Valley, more than 300 volunteers provide 4500 hours per year to help HRRV care for patients and families in our community. “Hospice volunteers are a valuable component of the compassionate care that HRRV offers to people in our community. Volunteers bring hope, love, and dignity to families who are going through one of life’s most difficult times,” commented Judy Jellerichs, Volunteer Coordinator. “We are pleased that we have this opportunity to honor our hospice and palliative care volunteers.”

It is federally mandated under Medicare that five percent of all patient care hours be provided by trained volunteers. Hospice of the Rock River Valley volunteers consistently provide 12% or more each year. This regulation was included in the Medicare hospice legislation to recognize the vital role that volunteers play in the hospice philosophy of care. These dedicated volunteers are integral members of the interdisciplinary team of professionals who provide care at the end of life.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 16, 2009