According to the National Hospice Foundation, approximately 1.58 million Americans living with life-limiting illness, and their families, receive care from hospice programs such as Wayne Memorial Hospice.

Established in 2001, Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department is committed to a concept of care that affirms life in all its aspects and recognizes death as a natural part of life. The staff uses a team-oriented approach to support a patient’s desire to die with dignity and with as much control as possible.

Wayne Memorial’s Hospice team includes a medical director, Robert Dohner, DO, who is board certified in Palliative Medicine and Family Medicine, registered nurses, nurse aides, social workers, therapists, clergy and volunteers.

During hospice care, volunteers provide many practical comfort services, including respite for the primary caregiver, visitation and companionship to the patient, running errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation, reminiscing with the patient, reading to the patient or just being there to hold a hand. WMH Hospice volunteers (photo) generally complete 18 hours of training in a very structured program. More volunteers are welcome, according to Volunteer Coordinator Joyce Malicky. She can be reached at (570) 253-8737.

Wayne Memorial’s Hospice team offers services in Wayne County (570)253-8431 and in Pike County (570) 775-4266. A toll free number, (800) 675-3003 is also available.

Photo: New volunteers with Wayne Memorial’s Hospice Department finished up their final training session with a clergy panel. Left to right: Don Barney, Linda Barney, Michele Minor-Wolf, Don MacArthur, Ellen Dennis and Diane Cifuni. Missing from photo is Mary Ann Stiles.