Volunteer Spotlight with Patti Akers
This volunteer spotlight is very dear to us. Meet Patti Akers - she’s kind and soft-spoken with a gentle and comforting smile. Patti joined our program a little over a year ago through the retired senior volunteer program of Stark and Portage counties. She is so generous with her time and is always willing to help - In addition to our program, she volunteers with local schools, tutoring children. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did!
Absolute: People choose to volunteer for various reasons, why are you a hospice volunteer?
Patti: When my mother died, I was fortunate to be at her side. I was able to contact my daughter by phone. My daughter spoke to her and I saw mom smile. It was a touching moment. For the first time, my father spoke of the difficulties he encountered as her caregiver. He didn't know where to ask for help and he didn't want to burden us (children). By providing respite care, I provide family members with a needed break for self-care, the kind of care my father needed.
A: What do you do with the hospice patients you serve? What do your visits look like?
P: Each visit and patient is different depending on the individual's health and needs. Activities vary -- reading a book; watching TV; watering and trimming plants; adjusting the bed, bedding, or window blinds; assisting with meals and hydration, and conversations with the patient, and other caregivers.
A: Being a volunteer anywhere makes a huge difference. What would you say the biggest difference is for you?
P: To me, volunteering is a way of life. It began 20 years ago when my 7-year-old daughter held a Let's Make a Difference Day party instead of a birthday party. She collected gifts, personal care items, food, etc. for the local domestic violence shelter. I have since volunteered for adult and adolescent tutoring programs, an equine riding program, and an animal sanctuary. I enjoy helping people, and I have a sense of purpose.
A: What would you say to anyone considering, but is still unsure, about volunteering in hospice?
P: It's heartwarming when a client wakes up, smiles, and says "hi" or hearing "I’ll see you next week" as you leave. You know you are appreciated. You give comfort and reassurance to the client and family members. Being a hospice volunteer is rewarding.
