Paul Arbogast

I started doing in-home visits as an Alive Hospice volunteer four and one half years ago. My church, Brentwood United Methodist, decided to get involved with Alive Hospice’s volunteer program as a way to serve others. We organized a team of about a dozen members to volunteer either in homes, in Alive Hospice inpatient facilities or to help in the office.

My time with a patient has varied from a few days to eleven months. I usually visit once a week for up to four hours. The time is flexible and arranged between the caregiver and me. The visit might include talking with a patient, watching television together, having a meal, running errands or just watching the patient sleep. The family caregiver might stay or leave, but they get a chance for a change of pace and some needed time alone.

The patients have so much to share about their life journeys and I have been inspired and enriched by their friendship. I would encourage others to volunteer and give some much-needed and appreciated time with some wonderful families.

Paul Arbogast is an Alive Hospice volunteer and a Brentwood resident.