Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare Honors Volunteers During National Volunteer Week

During National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare recognized its volunteers for the care and support they provide patients and families throughout the year. In 2019, 198 volunteers served more than 17,000 hours and made more than 7,000 patient visits.

Volunteers at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare provide patient and staff support in the Stanley C. and Flo K. Gault Inpatient Pavilion in Wooster. The volunteers also provide bedside support to many patients, wherever they call home.

In 2019, volunteers at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare contributed 21 percent of patient care hours through providing respite and companionship in private homes. 

“There is a very strong buy-in by our clinical and administrative staff in the importance of the volunteer team,” said Beki McCurdy, manager of volunteer services at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare. “When we have our annual meeting and volunteer recognition dinner, the staff enthusiastically and creatively provides the entertainment, writing songs and skits in appreciation. We also recognize volunteers who have been supportive in their specific areas of work.”

At the volunteer recognition dinner, the milestone volunteers who have served 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years and the volunteers who have given more than 100 hours will be recognized. The highest volunteer honor, the Kearney Award, named for founder and former medical director Walter Kearney, goes to the volunteer with the largest contribution to direct patient care. 

The volunteer staff at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare has continued to maintain contact with volunteers and provide education opportunities online through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We require 12 hours of continuing education each year for volunteers, so we’re trying to help them remain on track for that,” McCurdy said. “It’s a very difficult time for volunteers who had established close relationships with patients and families, and are no longer able to support them face-to-face.”

To learn how to become a volunteer, call 330.264.4899, or visit our website.