HomeArchives September 2010

WANT TO TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES?

Consider becoming a Hospice Volunteer — local training offered in October

Orange City Area Health System is seeking volunteers to be part of its Hospice program, and is offering a three-session Training in October. Volunteer training is Monday, October 25 from 6-9pm; Wednesday October 27 from 6-9pm; and Saturday October 30 from 9am-noon. Each session is held in Meeting Room #4 in the lower level of the health system’s Downtown Campus. Those interested in volunteering are asked to attend all three sessions.

“There are many ways to become involved with Hospice,” explains Kim Jansma, Orange City Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. “By volunteering you will touch and enrich many lives, including your own.”

According to Jansma, some volunteers will have the opportunity to make home visits that could include helping with household tasks, caring for children, running errands, playing games and preparing meals. Other volunteers serve by helping in the office with mailings, filing and working on various special projects. Finally, there are volunteers trained to work with the bereaved families, offering support and encouragement through a very difficult time in their lives. “To help make this experience truly rewarding for both the volunteer and the patient,” explains Jansma, “the Hospice team will work with each volunteer to help assess interests and skills before placement with a patient.”

Volunteers in hospice find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives, reports the Hospice Foundation of America. Many of the volunteers are introduced to hospice through the death of a family member and understand firsthand the value of hospice care, but nearly 20% of volunteers are new to hospice.

If you are interested in learning more about this valuable experience, please call Kim Jansma, social worker/volunteer coordinator, Orange City Home Health and Hospice at 737-5279.

Arlys Oolman 1Arlys Oolman will be recognized as Orange City Home Health & Hospice’s “Honored Volunteer” at the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa’s fall conference on November 2 in Ames.  According to Kim Jansma, Hospice Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator, Arlys “stands out” for the dedication she brings to the organization. “We are blessed with many dedicated volunteers,” reports Jansma. “Arlys truly represents the spirit of what it means to be a Hospice Volunteer.” Jansma adds that “From offering patients and families much needed emotional and spiritual support, to faithfully assisting patients with their meals, Arlys is always ready and willing to offer her time and energy to assist those in need.”

Theme of “A Life in Balance” features three keynote presenters

Orange City, IA — Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS) will host its annual “Evening Especially for Women” event on Tuesday, October 19, at Sioux Golf & Country Club in Alton, Iowa. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this popular event, and will feature three keynote speakers interspersed with on-site “shopping” from participating vendors, plus an appetizer buffet and time to socialize. OCAHS family practice physician Dr. Marie Moeller, OCAHS director of senior care Char Ten Clay, and KCAU news anchor Jenna Rehnstrom will address various topics centered around the theme of “A Life in Balance.” Selected vendors offering items for purchase include Usborne Books and More, Scentsy, The Pampered Chef, Blessings Unlimited, Creative Memories Consultant, OCAHS Gift Garden, Purse-n-ality, and Simply Natural. A limited number of tickets are available starting September 20 at the OCAHS ER reception desk for $10 per person, which includes the appetizer buffet, a beverage, and special gift. Doors open at 5:15pm, with presentations beginning at 6pm.

Shop the Orange City Area Health System Auxiliary’s “$5 Masquerade Jewelry Sale,” Thursday September 16 from 8am to 5pm in the front lobby of the main campus. Treat yourself, or your sweetie, have some fun, and shop for a good cause!