Health First Hospice Volunteers Deliver Love, Comfort and Care During the Pandemic
By Space Coast Daily // October 14, 2021
Having an all-hands-on-deck attitude is the norm for the Hospice of Health First volunteers
Health First Hospice Volunteers Deliver Love, Comfort, and Care During the Pandemic.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – That feeling of uncertainty has trickled into many of our lives ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and for some of us, continues to linger. Getting items and needs met to feel whole again – or at least somewhat normal – seems almost impossible.
But not for Health First’s hospice patients. When it comes to them (and every patient), it’s simple.
Health First continues to find ways to deliver love, comfort, care, supplies, and medication despite the pandemic. Their team of volunteers generously give of their time to personally deliver necessary items to our patients and families – right to the comfort of their home.
Having an all-hands-on-deck attitude is the norm for the Hospice of Health First volunteers. Before the pandemic, they were dedicated to assisting our team in supporting our patient’s needs – performing tasks such as being a friendly visitor or delivering supplies and medication to patients’ homes. And they continue to do so as we navigate life in a COVID-19 world.
One of them is Norma Canfield, who’s been volunteering with Hospice of Health First since February 2014.
“I decided to become a volunteer because my husband transitioned to Hospice of Health First for about four months before he passed away in November 2012,” said Canfield. “They were such a great help to me and my daughter in caring for him during his final months.”
Volunteers like Norma regularly travel throughout Brevard County to deliver supplies and medications to our patients. It’s a detailed process, and our team provides specialized training to volunteers while working closely with Health First Family Pharmacy to make sure everything is correct and on time.
“I know patients and families depend on this service and appreciate that we deliver right to their home. We make sure everyone is safe, wear masks and ensure a ‘contactless’ delivery,” Canfield said.
“It’s one less thing for the family to have to worry about, and one more thing we can do to help families in a difficult situation.”
This important service is also what volunteer Jenny Queller has been passionate about for over a decade. She continues to regularly provide clerical support in the Hospice administration office, as well as visiting with patients in their homes (fully protected for everyone’s safety) to provide much-appreciated human interaction.
