Hospice volunteer gives, takes wisdom

September 27, 2007|By MARLO BARNHART

Name: Linda Marshall

Age: 63

Resides in: Boonsboro

Where do you volunteer and what do you do there?: She said she volunteers for Hospice of Washington County. "I visit clients in nursing facilities - right now I am at Julia Manor and Loyalton.

"I also am a member of the 11th hour vigil, a Hospice group started in late spring. When a nurse's best assessment is that someone is nearing the 24-48 hour countdown, then we step up our time spent with the person, if the family so desires.

"Sometimes I take patients to doctor's appointments, wait there for them and then bring them back."

What prompted you to begin volunteering?: In 2003, I saw an ad on the back page of the newspaper asking for volunteers at Hospice. I interviewed and took the extensive training, which teaches what your role is and what it isn't."

What is your biggest reward as a volunteer?: "Learning the wisdom of people. They share with me as I share with them."

What impact has volunteering had on your life?: "My life has been so enriched.

"One patient told me about baking cookies for soldiers and her love of gardening so when she is in pain, I talk to her about these things and she begins to think about them."

What keeps you busy when you're not volunteering?: "Being a grandmother, spending time with my friends, old and new."

She said she would like to plant a meditation garden "and the patient who loves gardening has taught me some things about that."

Want to volunteer with Hospice of Washington County?

Call 301-791-6360 to speak with Hospice personnel at the headquarters at 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown.

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