Tuck-In Team volunteers needed at Hospice of the Chesapeake

Nancy Williams’ first experience with Hospice of the Chesapeake was as the wife of a patient. She said the care she and her husband received was wonderful. “The hospice people were just a lifesaver,” she said. “All of the people who helped were like family.”

After her husband passed away, the Annapolis woman was looking for a way to give back when she saw an announcement in the paper in the fall of 2012 requesting volunteers to be part of the nonprofit’s Tuck-In Team. The team of volunteers supplement the work of the Hospice team and make “tuck in” phone calls to each patient and their families for two to three hours Thursday mornings to ensure they have everything they need including medications refills and supplies in their homes to last through the weekend.

Williams knew this was the perfect fit for her to reconnect with an organization that did so much for her at a time of great need. “I wanted to stay with my ‘family’.”

“Our patients and families are receiving care in their homes all over Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties,” said Diane Sancilio, Director of Volunteer Services. “It is extremely important that we maintain lines of communications in addition to the Hospice team visits. These calls provide just one more practical and emotional layer of support to those living with illness.” So vital is the team’s role, the group received the Spirit of Hospice Award at the nonprofit’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on April 19.

Team members can make calls from one of three locations: The John & Cathy Belcher Campus at 90 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena, Mandrin House at 3675 Solomons Island Road in Harwood or the Prince George’s County offices at 9500 Arena Drive in Largo. Volunteers are asked to participate in at least one session per month.

Being part of the team is an excellent way to get to know more about Hospice of the Chesapeake and the patients and families the organization serves. Volunteers have access to free training in healing arts and other patient care programs. Also, for little or no cost, they have the opportunity to earn a variety of certifications and continuing education units which can be used professionally.

Sharon Reynolds of Bowie, who retired as a registered nurse with Hospice of the Chesapeake in 2009, returned to serve as a Volunteer on the team. She said that making Thursday morning phone calls can be a great pick-me-up for when she’s feeling down. “You’re not thinking about yourself and your problems,” she said. “You’re doing this for someone else.”

Fellow volunteer Cari Mackes of Annapolis agreed, adding that the caregivers and patients look forward to the weekly calls as a connection to the world outside of their home.

“It’s definitely rewarding, this basic thing we’re doing,” said Williams. “They are so appreciative of your call.”

To apply for this or other volunteer opportunities, contact Allison Kuchar, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 443-837-1513 or akuchar@hospicechesapeake.org.