An old friend who I had never actually met. This is how I’d describe my hospice patient, whom I’ll call “Arthur,” from our very first meeting. I began my volunteer work with a mix of nervousness and excitement. I grasped the ideology of hospice—providing comfort, control, and safety during the end-of-life process—but translating that into … Continue reading “Growth Through Connection”
Category: Athena Hospice Program
this is for posts in the category of Athena Hospice
Learning to Connect
I went into this program knowing that it would be hard. While I have elderly relatives, I had very little experience working in a hospice environment. I was scared of the challenge of building a relationship with someone who was near the end of their life and knowing that there would be a time when … Continue reading “Learning to Connect”
Coming to Grips with Death Itself
Throughout my childhood and well into adolescence, death perplexed me as the most incomprehensible subject – and I mean that in the most literal sense of the word. I eschewed the thought of it whenever it wandered into my mind, which occurred more frequently than one might expect. Staring at the ceiling as I tried … Continue reading “Coming to Grips with Death Itself”
The Story of Our Lives
Over the past 8 months, I have not only grown as a student in the medical field but as a citizen of the world. The Athena Institute Pre-Med Hospice program opened my eyes in terms of viewing patients and caregivers in the real-world, not just what you hear on the news and from others. Medicine … Continue reading “The Story of Our Lives”
Being a companionship volunteer helped me further develop soft skills that are essential for my journey in medicine.
I chose to volunteer with the Athena Hospice Program because it offered a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of patient care outside of an acute clinical setting. Through this program, I’ve come to appreciate how healthcare extends beyond prescribing medication and treatments. It includes offering palliative care and companionship support as people approach … Continue reading “Being a companionship volunteer helped me further develop soft skills that are essential for my journey in medicine.”
The Secret of a Smile
After only a few visits to “Millie”, it became clear that we had much in common. We both appreciated summers on the Jersey Shore, we both adored looking at photographs of dogs, and we both wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. On a deeper level, we both shared the tendency to choose … Continue reading “The Secret of a Smile”
The Power of Presence in Patient Care
When I started my hospice volunteering experience, I worried about being bothersome to my patients and not having the right personality to provide comfort. I wanted to be a helpful part of their care team, but I doubted whether I could guide conversations or recognize when a patient preferred to talk, listen, or sit in … Continue reading “The Power of Presence in Patient Care”
Lessons Learned in Hospice Care: Coffee & Small Comforts
“Sarah” and I shared many moments over coffee, a simple ritual that became the foundation of our bond. She had heart failure, and while her body grew weaker, her spirit remained vibrant. When I first met her, I was unsure of what to say, afraid that I wouldn’t have the right words or that I … Continue reading “Lessons Learned in Hospice Care: Coffee & Small Comforts”
Hallucinations and Hard Conversations
This year, I have been meeting with Anita. She has navy blue crocs with pink gibits, she likes ice cream and reading out loud, and she has a very sweet and strong personality. When I visit, we sometimes talk and sometimes watch what’s on the tv. I have listened to Anita describe the things she’s … Continue reading “Hallucinations and Hard Conversations”
Finding The Joy Again
Since starting the Hospice program with Athena, I have learned a lot about what end of life care really is. In September of 2024 I met “Mr. Smith” playing bingo at a table in the lounge of his senior living facility. It had been awhile since I had interacted with someone of his age, especially … Continue reading “Finding The Joy Again”