Burgess Hospice Welcomes New Volunteers

Burgess Health Center’s Hospice program is pleased to announce the addition of five new hospice volunteers this spring who have joined the team of 18 others who provide important assistance to the Hospice healthcare staff.

The new volunteers who completed 18 hours of training are Lois Olsen, John Ankerstjerne and Pat Aldrich of Onawa; Kaye Huffman of Decatur and Virginia Stevens of Soldier.

“We are delighted to welcome our new volunteers,” says Annette Linden, Burgess Hospice social worker and volunteer coordinator. “We thank them for their interest, compassion and time.”

Volunteers offer caring support in home visits to both patients and their families, says Linden. They are trained to listen, visit and provide practical help which can include making phone calls, providing some transportation, staying with patients, taking them on a drive or handling some errands.

“Our Hospice program in Onawa meets the needs of patients and families faced with a life-limiting illness,” says Linden. “ Our trained volunteers are a vital part of our service to help each patient live as comfortably and fully as possible at home.”

Persons interested in learning more about the training or the Hospice program should call Linden or Sherri Johnston at Burgess at 423-9265.