Hospice of Michigan Looking for More Volunteers in Alcona County

Hospice of Michigan is looking to increase their number of volunteer caregivers in Alcona County.

Right now they only have five people serving as companions for patients throughout the whole county, and a good number for them would be five more. About 10-15 percent of their patients are in Alcona County, and being a more spread out and rural area, there aren’t many people who can make the drive.

However, having someone to at least talk to can mean the world for some of these patients. “So they spend time with our patients and their families at end of life, doing whatever the patient wants to do,” said Kathy Lietaer, vounteer coordinator with Hospice of Michigan. “They might read to them. They might have a conversation. They might play a card game. It’s really up to them and what they want.”

Volunteering doesn’t just make a difference in the patients life, but also the volunteers themselves. “Every volunteer I’ve ever known says ‘I almost feel guilty because I feel I get so much more out of this than the patients and families do’,” said Lietaer. “So, it really does fill your cup, and you’re supporting a patient and family that’s facing end of life. So it’s a win-win I would say.”

People interested in volunteering are encouraged to fill out an application online at Hom.org or at the Hospice of Michigan office in Alpena.