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(Honesdale, August 15, 2006) … “Being a hospice volunteer has been very rewarding,” says Anne Dilella.  Since the 74 year old Hawley resident began volunteering with Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Team more than two years ago, she has worked with several patients dealing with a life-limiting illness. “In each situation, I found myself being thankful for everything I have,” Dilella explains “and thankful to be able to help someone else.” 

 Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Team is looking for more volunteers like Dilella in every part of the Wayne Memorial service area—Wayne and Pike Counties in Pennsylvania and the Upper Delaware region of New York.

Dilella puts in two to four hours a week, but “volunteers can really make up their own schedules,” according to Joyce Malicky, Volunteer Coordinator at Wayne Memorial Hospital.

What are hospice volunteers asked to do? “A hospice volunteer may be asked to help a patient who has difficulty walking or uses a walker,” Malicky says. “A volunteer may also be asked to run errands, prepare a meal or just spend time with a patient to give the patient’s fulltime caregiver a precious few hours off.”

 The next hospice volunteer training session—one evening a week for eight weeks—begins Monday, September 11th at the Pike County Medical Center on Route 739 in Lords Valley. Training includes presentations by medical staff, social workers, clergy and other volunteers. Pre-registration is required by September 6th.  Anyone who is interested in this caring work, or for more information, is asked to please call Joyce Malicky at (570) 253-8737.

Photo:  Joyce Malicky, Wayne Memorial Hospital Volunteer Coordinator