VNA Hospice Volunteers Give, Gain From Experience

For VNA Volunteer Larry Upton, it was time to give of himself

Butler, PA - There are people in this world who talk about doing … and then there are the ones that do it. Larry Upton is one of the do-ers, and for more than 25 years, the VNA, Western Pennsylvania has benefited from his time, love and assistance to others.

Upton, a licensed psychologist, has always been a man involved in his community. So when he retired after 29 years as a professor at Slippery Rock University, he decided that it was time to stop working – and to give things away.

"I wanted to give away my time, effort, expertise and even money when I could," said Larry.

Having served on the Board of Directors of the VNA, Western Pennsylvania for more than two decades, Larry was well aware of the health concerns and needs of older persons. But the opportunity to work as a VNA hospice volunteer was an experience new to him.

"It seemed like something I could do that was desperately needed," said Upton.

For the past nine years, Larry has been available to spend several hours each week with patients in the end stages of life and their families. He's cared for the doctor who delivered three of his children, and the father-in-law and mother-in-law of a young man who was his former student. Another time, when Larry was visiting a patient at a nursing home, he realized that he was the man's only visitor, so he increased his number of visits per week until the man's death.

Sometimes, he talks with patients about their fears and their regrets. Other times, he reminisces with them about things they both remember from the local community. And often, he simply visits and gives a tired caregiver a much-needed break, and a sense of security in knowing their loved one is in capable and reliable hands.

"Some days, it's tough. But there's a motivation to do your best for the patient and his family. Being a volunteer is so meaningful for me. There's a real sense of knowing that you are needed and appreciated," said Larry.

In April, Larry was recognized by the VNA as the recipient of the 2005 Genevieve Leib Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award is named in honor of the first VNA Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. It is particularly significant to Larry, since he and Gen were dear friends. During his years of service to VNA Hospice, he has co-facilitated bereavement support groups, participated on the Board of Directors and visited with patients.

In addition to his hospice commitment, Larry also volunteers with Harrisville United Methodist Church, the Butler County Mental Health Association, several state and regional Councils on Aging, and the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Slippery Rock University. Although his activities require considerable time, Larry says that his service as a hospice volunteer is what keeps him grounded in life.

"It is a privilege to be a part of a person's life at this extremely important and personal time, and to work with a team of professionals to make the final days as comfortable and meaningful as possible. Although I know in advance the inevitable outcome, I look forward to my visits with a new patient, but I am always saddened for both the family and the patient when the death occurs," said Larry.

Hospice volunteers like Larry are trained by the VNA and ideally, assigned to patients close by for convenience and a shared "sense of community."

"If you are interested in feeling part of a team whose goal is to provide as high a quality of life as possible for both the patient and his/her loved ones, then you should consider being a hospice volunteer," said Larry.

SOURCE: Visiting Nurses Association (VNA)