News Information

SCHNECK LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO ENSURE NO ONE DIES ALONE
July 14, 2010

Ideally, people will pass from life to death surrounded by loved ones but, occasionally, patients lack friends and family willing or able to stay with them. In an effort to ensure that patients make the journey in the presence of a caring person, Schneck Medical Center has launched No One Dies Alone.

No One Dies Alone is a volunteer program at Schneck that provides the reassuring presence of a volunteer companion to dying patients who would otherwise be alone. Schneck’s program, which will begin on August 1, has 30 loving employee volunteers who are specially trained in the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of dying. They sit with, talk with, read to, hold the hand of, and just offer their time to be with dying patients.

“It’s extremely important to patients,” said Tiffani Calhoun, MSW. “A lot of us involved in the program sense this as a moment in a person’s existence that is best to be with someone, even if it’s a stranger. It’s someone who cares. We are volunteers who step into that role.”

The volunteers stay three or four hours with the dying person and may play soft music or hold the patient’s hand. “It’s a very unique experience for everyone,” said Calhoun, describing it as moving for the volunteer. “Those of us who volunteer have a sense we can assist people and be there during those moments so those last hours are as dignified and respectful as possible. The idea is to supplement the care and concern by those at the bedside with additional support and comfort during the patient’s last journey.”

For additional information concerning the No One Dies Alone program at Schneck, please contact program coordinator Tiffani Calhoun, MSW, at 812-522-0444.