Serving others at the end-of-life can be rewarding and meaningful for the patient and the volunteer. Just ask Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) employee Leigh Anne Hoormann, who is the Service Coordinator at Dunn Road Manor, an LSS Affordable Housing apartment unit. Hoormann began volunteering as a hospice companion for our caring hospice team in St. Louis this spring.
In her role as an Affordable Housing Service Coordinator, Hoormann works with older adults facing challenging issues and she wanted a different experience serving seniors while also giving back to a program that she believes in – hospice. By sharing a piece of her heart, Hoormann is building a relationship with someone living with late-stage dementia and connecting with this patient through presence, touch, prayer, and music.
Hoormann’s presence is also comforting to the patient’s daughter, who works fulltime and is unable to be there all the time. Hoormann serves with a full heart. Her compassion and commitment are hallmarks of the LSS Hospice care philosophy and team.
You too can become a part of the LSS Hospice Care team and make a difference serving others. If you are interested in serving as a hospice volunteer, here are a few opportunities:
- Hospice Companion: Make a difference in the lives of others by providing a supportive or spiritual presence to those facing a life-limiting illness. As a hospice volunteer, end-of-life service can be rewarding and meaningful offering opportunities for spiritual healing through companionship, prayer, scripture, music, life review as well as emotional support to families. No physical caregiving is required. All we ask for is your calming presence and serving heart. Visiting patients can take place during the day, early evenings, and weekends.
- Hospice Office Support: Join the LSS Hospice Care team by assisting with administrative tasks such as assembling admission packets, filing, photocopying, preparing bereavement mailings, and helping with other duties to support the staff, families, and bereaved. Volunteer opportunities are available during office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Hospice Balloon Delivery: Deliver birthday balloons to hospice patients in the St. Louis community. Select the days you’d like to serve. All supplies will be provided.
- Vigil Volunteers: Many patients no longer have family members alive or their family lives far away. Provide a peaceful presence to patients during their last hours of life offering reassurance, prayer, music, or gentle touch.
To apply to become an LSS volunteer or to learn more about volunteer opportunities at LSS, visit our Volunteer Page.