Have you ever thought about becoming a hospice volunteer? Do you want to know what it involves and how to get started, or maybe you’re unsure if you can do it?

Hear Alive Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Joy Fenton talk about becoming a hospice volunteer in this recent interview with Murfreesboro’s WGNS 1450 AM. She talks about her own story, which started with a dog named Winston and turned into a very meaningful time for both of them.

For more information about volunteering with Alive Hospice, and to apply online, click here. To talk with a volunteer coordinator, call 615-327-1085.

In this 3-minute video, Alive Hospice Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Tribble offers good advice for talking with one’s physician about hospice care. As Dr. Tribble says, hospice is a wonderful option for “good life at the end of life.” Watching this video can make a world of difference for someone you love.

Do you know someone who could benefit from hearing what Dr. Tribble has to say? Please forward this video! Click here.

Ruth Williams

Alive Hospice offers quarterly grief support groups to individuals who have lost a loved one (any loved one: family, friend, coworker, or any other significant person). Our autumn support groups will begin in September. As you look at your own personal journey of healing, I’d like to share my “top ten” reasons for joining a grief support group:

10. The facilitators are experienced in the field of grief and are there to help.

9. You can learn about what is typical in grieving the loss of a loved one.

8. Your confidentiality is protected. It’s a “safe zone” where you can share the whole range of feelings you’re experiencing.

7. You can learn strategies for coping with your loss.

6. It’s nice to have a place to be honest about the changes you’re experiencing without fear of judgment or critique.

5. Having a set time to process your grief sometimes gives you a place to “put it” or to “save up” for. (In other words, it provides structure!)

4. You can hear the stories of others and learn from them.

3. It’s nice to share with others about your loved ones. Often in sharing, you learn even more about their legacy.

2. Tears are welcome and understood.

1. It helps to know you are not alone in your grieving.

Our autumn support groups will meet in Nashville, Madison, Brentwood and Murfreesboro. Register by September 1! For more information, call 615-963-4732 or click here.

Ruth Williams is a counselor with Alive Grief Support Services, the bereavement support program of Alive Hospice. To reach Alive Grief Support Services, call 615-963-4732 or click here.

Becky Riney

Many times people want to show their care and support but have questions about whether to visit, how long to stay, or what to say when visiting someone who is very ill. 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Presence counts. People may not remember what you say but they remember that you cared enough to be there. Don’t feel you have to have answers or profound words. A caring presence can be a gift.

2. Don’t use clichés. Often people have the intention of saying comforting words but it comes across as minimizing the person’s situation. Don’t say “I know how you feel” or that you know they will be better soon. Just say you care. Be willing to listen if they want to talk.

3. Silence is okay. If a person doesn’t want to talk or is unable to talk, you can say, “I’ll sit with you for a little while.” It may give the family a break if you offer to sit with someone while they run an errand or eat a meal.

4. Keep visits brief. In most cases it is best not to stay too long or to have too many visitors at one time. A 10-15 minute visit may be enough to show you care. You might try to call first to make sure it is a good time. If someone doesn’t feel like a visit, don’t take it personally; respect their wishes.

5. Bring a little something. You may want to bring a greeting card or a picture or clipping or a flower. You might need to check before leaving food, unless you are bringing food just for the family.

People appreciate knowing you are thinking of them and that you care.

Becky Riney is a social worker at Alive Hospice Residence Nashville.