For the past year, SSM Health at Home Hospice volunteers Anna Giebel and Karen Stewart have teamed up to bring joy to various hospice patients at St. Francis Home, located at 33 Everett Street in Fond du Lac.

Twice a week, Anna, a Fond du Lac resident, and Karen, a Lomira resident, arrive at the facility and immediately get to work, setting up the area where their assigned patients will join them.

“Knowing the personal activities preferences of St. Francis Home residents, Anna often chooses to play music, which brings smiles to their faces and some even tap their feet at the rhythm of the music,” according to Betty Walleser, an SSM Health at Home Hospice volunteer coordinator. “Karen brings various seasonal items for the patients to fidget with. During their time together and through every season, Anna and Karen hold their patients’ hands letting them know how much they care.”

Anna, a seven-year hospice volunteer, and Karen, a one-year hospice volunteer, share how fulfilling it is to be able to see the patient’s reactions when they arrive.

“It is so rewarding knowing the residents recognize us,” Anna shares. “We love to listen to their stories whenever they can share. I sometimes think that I look forward to the visits more than the patients.”

Karen agrees. “I feel such gratification when I announce my name, and the patient finds joy knowing I’m here. It’s very fulfilling to sit with them and provide comfort. Spending time with the patients serves as a good reminder that life is great and there is much you can do for others.”

Both hospice volunteers agree that every patient is special while recalling some of their favorite moments, including a grateful family who realized their loved one recognized Anna’s presence during her final hours. With a smile, Karen recalls a patient who would blow kisses to her through their canula mask.

Anna and Karen highly recommend this special volunteer opportunity to all.

“I know a lot of people think it’s some big ordeal to do it,” according to Anna. “It’s really just showing up and being there with the patients. So many say they can’t do it but you just have sit and talk to them, be present, and listen to them.”

 Karen agrees that being a hospice volunteer is very rewarding. “It’s amazing and eye-opening to get to know the patients and all the things they have accomplished in their lives.”

There are many wonderful opportunities for those interested in volunteering with SSM Health at Home Hospice, including providing companionship and emotional support, veteran recognition, pet therapy, assisting with spiritual care, office support, and serving meals at the Hospice Home of Hope.

SSM Health at Home Hospice provides an individualized training program designed to equip volunteers for the varied types of service. Hospice in Fond du Lac and Green Lake areas are currently looking for more volunteers who are placed in their own geographic areas.

Being a hospice volunteer is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to share their gifts and talents, grow spiritually, learn new skills, belong to a caring team with a common goal, and much more.

To learn more or schedule training, contact Hospice Volunteer Coordinators Betty Walleser at 920-924-4662 or [email protected] or Kristin Moderow at 920-294-4481 or [email protected]. 

SSM Health at Home Hospice volunteers Anna Giebel (seated) and Karen Stewart have teamed up to bring joy to various hospice patients at St. Francis Home, located at 33 Everett Street in Fond du Lac.