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Hospice of the Valley volunteers support West Valley families

Peoria Independent - 11/23/2017

Every life has a story. A World War II nurse caring for Allied troops in Italy. An Arizona native who lived on Indian School Road when it was nothing but dirt. A 96-year-old woman who sang in the Army choir touring the segregated South.

As a Hospice of the Valley volunteer over the last eight years, Peoria resident Linda Schafer has met lots of interesting folks. "It's wonderful to spend time with them," she said.

Ms. Schafer recommends volunteering to others. "It's easy ? you're just there for somebody," she said. "If they want to talk to you, fine. If not, that's fine, too. But you're letting the family caregiver go, giving them a break. And sometimes you hear stories from the patients that they won't tell family because they feel more comfortable talking to someone from outside."

Hospice of the Valley will conduct a volunteer orientation in January at the agency's West Clinical Office, 9435 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria. The class meets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, Jan. 8 and Jan. 12. Applications must be submitted in advance through the website hov.org.

Hospice of the Valley is a local not-for-profit organization founded in 1977. The agency provides end-of-life care and other services for patients and families, mainly in their own homes, or wherever the patient resides. Each patient is served by a team comprised of a nurse, a physician, a nurse's aide, a social worker, a chaplain (if desired), a volunteer, and after a death, a bereavement counselor. Hospice care is covered by Medicare and nearly all insurance plans.

About 2,200 people volunteer for Hospice of the Valley in Maricopa County and northern Pinal County. The January class will train volunteers to serve West Valley communities, including Peoria, Glendale, Surprise and the Sun Cities.

Ms. Schafer, 76, decided to volunteer after her husband died. Retired from her career as an escrow officer, she was looking for something to do. Though some of her friends expressed concern for her visiting people nearing end-of-life, Ms. Schafer said she feels comfortable and is always supported by Hospice of the Valley staff. For the most part, volunteering is about conversing with patients and family members, listening to what's on their minds, she said.

As a Navy veteran, Ms. Schafer also participates in Hospice of the Valley's Saluting Our Veterans program. The program matches volunteers and patients who are military veterans. The volunteer presents the patient with a flag and pin to honor their service.

Currently 40 volunteers representing every branch of service visit with veteran patients.

Hospice of the Valley also offers other volunteer opportunities, including specialties such as pet therapy, dementia care and grief support.

More information is available at hov.org and by calling 602-636-6336 or emailing volunteeropportunities@hov.org.

Editor's note: Ms. Medlyn is communications director at Hospice of the Valley.