May 2024

May 2024

Embracing Dignity and Compassion: Volunteer Services at VITAS Hospice

Project 4031 and VITAS Healthcare share a mission to serve individuals facing the end of their lives with compassion. While Project 4031 focuses on alleviating financial burdens and fulfilling final dreams for patients, VITAS Healthcare provides comprehensive care, ensuring that every moment is lived with comfort and dignity.

Rebuilding a Vital Program

Brittany Lang, the Volunteer Services Manager at VITAS Healthcare has been with the company for _ years. But her relationship with VITAS extends far beyond that through her mother who has worked for VITAS for 30 years. In her current role, Brittany is dedicated to rebuilding the volunteer program, which was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers offer unique services that deeply touch the lives of patients and their families.

Special Volunteers Making a Difference

Among the volunteers at VITAS, you’ll find a cosmetologist who visits patients at home, providing haircuts and personal grooming services. This small act can greatly boost a patient’s morale, helping them feel more like themselves. There is also a Buddhist monk who offers spiritual support and a calming presence to patients, meeting them wherever they are. These volunteers exemplify the holistic approach VITAS takes, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Understanding Hospice Care Levels

Hospice care at VITAS is tailored to meet various levels of need. General care allows patients to remain at

home with visits from nurses and caregivers. For those with more difficult-to-manage symptoms, symptomatic care provides a higher level of support, either at home or in a facility, ensuring around-the-clock attention. Hospice care can extend up to six months, offering comprehensive support throughout this period.

Expanding Care in Fort Worth

Exciting developments are on the horizon for VITAS. A new in-patient unit is opening in the Fort Worth area, capable of serving 12 patients with around-the-clock care. This facility will provide a higher level of care for those with complex needs, ensuring that more people receive the support they require.

Starting the Conversation

Brittany emphasizes the importance of starting conversations about end-of-life care with loved ones. She suggests asking, “Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years?” This question can open meaningful dialogue and help ensure that patients’ wishes are respected. Brittany encourages adult

children to tell their parents that they want to honor their desires without limiting their options.

Joining Hands for a Common Cause

Both VITAS Healthcare and Project 4031 provide compassionate care and support. By volunteering, you can play a crucial role in this mission. Whether through direct patient interaction or behind-the-scenes support, your involvement can bring comfort, dignity, and peace to those in the final stages of life.

How to Get Involved

VITAS Healthcare is one of the many organizations that we are privileged to work with through our Share the Care Program and Wings Volunteers. To volunteer with VITAS Healthcare, visit VolunteerMatch.org.

Project 4031 exists to provide terminally children, adults, and their families facing end-of-life challenges with peace and comfort by easing financial burdens and fulfilling last dreams. To volunteer with Project 4031 or be featured on our blog, email Nicole Herlin at Nicole@project4031.org.