There are many home-bound lonely seniors and there are many frazzled families trying to juggle lives with their care. I took the Hospice training about 15 years ago and have primarily been active with their Visitor Program. A couple hours a week to provide respite or to sit with an interesting senior (they are all interesting!) isn’t much time, and it is such a light to the families. The returns, besides good karma, are surprising.  After a few weeks you suddenly find you have new friends and a rich developing relationship with an elder — it’s pretty special — just for a couple hours a week.
— Therese Lewandowski,
Hospice of Homer volunteer

Training starts soon
Hospice of Homer begins its annual training for end-of-life and visitor volunteer programs next month.
Training sessions will be:
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4;
• 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5;
• 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7;
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11;
• 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12;
• 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14; and
• 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21.
For more information or to reserve a place, call hospice at 235-6899.