At the Hour of Death

What’s it like being a volunteer caregiver for those at the end of life? Here are a few stories that will give you an inside-scoop.

By Marie:

When I came in at 8am, I could see that Letisha was very frail. Her family came in to spend time with her and then they left. Jan, Taylor, and I [all volunteer caregivers] cleaned her and settled her comfortably. Her breathing gradually slowed and became more labored. There was a change. Letisha turned her head to the side, opened her eyes wide, then her jaw relaxed. Laurie (another caregiver volunteer) came in to pray and she died while reciting the prayer.

By Diane:

Last night while giving Phil his meds and cheering him on with every swallow, he broke out into a huge grin. His sister and Tory [Inhora’s Board of Director’s Chairwoman] burst out laughing along with Phil. He passed away a couple days later, surrounded by a dozen of loving family members from Arizona, Raton, and Hawaii.

By Tory:

Samuel arrived at Inhora awake [not always the case] saying “Hello!” I welcomed him as he was wheeled into his new bedroom. We helped him get situated. During this I asked him what preferred to be called and he answered, “George.” We believed him but confirmed that his name was Samuel. He said that he was kidding and then said his real name. All his family laughed, and so did us caregivers. It became our little inside joke. He was only with us for two days.”

Life is precious.

Photo by Smiljana Peters on Unsplash.