Pondering over the decision to engage with strangers nearing the end of their life
Hanging out with someone who's on life's exit row isn't exactly a daily routine for a lot of us. But for Hazel Orchard, it's a regular gig.
Hazel, a hospital companion, devotes her time to providing a servicable ear to folks nearing their final chapter. Her job involves more than just idle chatter. She helps navigate tricky topics like care plans, and steps up when family members need a breather.
"It's a bloody emotional rollercoaster, let's not sugarcoat it," Hazel from Cardiff admits. But she reckons supporting people through their end-of-life journey is more than just a duty - it's a bloomin' privilege.
These volunteers, like those from organizations such as Marie Curie, are bloody crucial. They offer emotional support, companionship, and practical assistance during this sensitive period, significantly improving the quality of care for those in their final days.
Okay, so here's the lowdown on what hospital companions do:
- They provide a friendly face and a damn good listen, helping build rapport with patients by discussing their interests or old times.
- They offer practical help, like pointing out where to park the car or letting folks know about the grub in the dining area. Although their role isn't medical, they help take some burdens off patients and their families.
- Even if patients can't talk, companions still manage to offer comfort, holding hands, whispering soothing words, or just sitting there to keep company.
- They give caregivers a break, letting them rest or tend to their own needs.
So why is all this so important?
- It makes things more personal and compassionate for patients, improving their emotional well-being and satisfaction.
- It reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety for patients, who'd otherwise be on their own during this tough time.
- It fills in the gaps in care by focusing on emotional and spiritual needs, ensuring a more holistic approach to caring for both patients and their families.
- It's personally rewarding for the volunteers, fostering empathy, understanding, and personal development from their encounters with these remarkable individuals.
In summary, folks like Hazel Orchard are a bloody vital part of end-of-life care. They offer emotional support, companionship, and practical help, complementing the medical care provided by hospitals and hospices. It's a fulfilling experience for those involved, and it makes a big difference to the folks who need it most.
In the context of Hazel Orchard's role as a hospital companion, she not only provides emotional support but also contributes significantly to the health-and-wellness and mental-health of her patients. This is accomplished through fostering personal connections, offering practical assistance, and comforting patients who may be physically or verbally unable to express their needs.
Moreover, Hazel's work underscores the importance of companionship in health-and-wellness and mental-health care, especially at the end-of-life. By reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety, she helps create a more personal and compassionate environment that contributes to improved patient satisfaction and overall well-being.
