C14 - Sunday, April 8, 1984 - North Shore News PALLIATIVE CARE AT LGH a - Easing the pain of dying WHY WOULD you want to do that kind of volunteer work? Isn't it depressing working with dying patients? How much time ts involved? These are just a few of the questions people ask when talking with volunteers in- volved with the Palliative Care Program at Lions Gate Hospital. This support program for terminally ill cancer patients and their families started in 1981. There is a six bed unit in hospital and community help such as home care nurs- ing, homemakers and volunteer support to assist when the patient is at home. We asked volunteers, some forty in number presently in- volved, to respond to these queries. We had all kinds of answers - after all every volunteer 1s unrque and br- ings his or her personal style to their work with these pa- tients and their families. Responses included such things as ‘‘Sure it can be sad work - after all you're getting to know someone on a very personal level over a few short months and then hav- ing to say goodbye.’’ ‘‘] just) remember = that these patients are people, just like me. They've led healthy and interesting lives before lake Off to Toronto this tliness - I just look for the positives.”’ ‘*We all need a good friend to share the difficult times - 1 like to feel that | can help in some small way.’’ **My mother died of cancer and | sure wish there had been someone around for me to talk to - outside of the family .”’ Yes, a lotr of the volunteers, both men and women, have lost someone close to them. This personal experience is helpful in understanding and being sen- sitive to the dying patients and family’s needs, both before and after death of the patient. Volunteers are involved in a variety of ways - all aimed at offering emotional! support and assistance to terminally ill cancer patients and their families. In hospital, volunteers visit patients on the ward, assisting with meal time, writing a letter or just offer- ing companionship. Friend- ship ts also offered where the volunteer works with an in- dividual patient or family member in their own home as well as during hospital stays. Volunteer support is also given to bereaved family members. The volunteer can spend anywhere from two to four hours per week. They are important members of the Team which includes doc- tors and other health care professionals such as the chaplain, social worker and nutritionist. If you are a mature, warm person, male or female, able NEW LOW, LOW FARES! ates ALM (Dac artes tn ob ro oe | a Nerpocartinn | Coestyverecns Agar To anit Agori ot) { Mery 44 POP ad seavee yrorseyesth oy Porat See] Yors Lav ce natty dor rh year Se sgocartonnes resres a4 $1 0) boote tre moby foe yore Pare ges yoo reservations oa pot) O10) fporeer po@acscory fee Uc abate yp Peat ger agg bbers, If ye ee eed Thresres is) plo 2 Whe carne celle atte m4 ofc are we bog fl pre ryt drescih eer yoirescd Att ste hay, fbi obey wy “4 meet Sy OL oe 0 OO OE TY pope oteate rvesr at Child’s Fare as jow as *229. Ad Mighty care: ALK goed 4 E< cor etth a nons grec anes Call Your Travel Ag cis u:, CP Air Holidays popoly AUD Pin ghats seat ryeret tee op IVECER WE resth apy Alr Orr!) ABC CHaalviti 62 266-1241 to help and empathetic with this support work, we'd like to talk with you about volunteering with us. Train- ing begins soon and on going support is provided by pro- fessional staff. If you’re in- terested please call Ms. Fab- bro at North Shore Family Services - 988-5281.