Caring for the Human Spirit in the Hospice Setting When it comes to the care of the terminally ill, there can be any number of spiritual needs. When those needs are not met, a dying person and family can suffer. When those needs are met, there can be a relative sense of well-being and joy […]
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Volunteering with Wings of Hope
Volunteering with Wings of Hope Many ways to serve You might be surprised about the many interesting ways to volunteer with Wings of Hope. We use two categories of volunteers, direct and indirect. Some direct care opportunities include delivering supplies, running errands, giving haircuts, light housekeeping, or as a companion to our patients by listening, […]
House of Love
House of Love Can you imagine what life and death were like before there was hospice? Hospice came from England to America in the 1970s. In 1983, Wings of Hope Hospice was formed in Allegan County. Ever since, Wings has been in the non-profit business of recruiting, training and organizing people to serve the dying […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Cade
Our Volunteer Spotlight is shining on Sue Cade, a true “Girl Friday,” who we rely on to help at our office, and who is dedicated to making a difference for the good in the lives of our patients and their loved ones. Sue Cade started volunteering with Wings of Hope in 1999. She used her […]
A Torch of Honor
A Torch of Honor I recently read Gallup research published in the Washington Post indicating that only 13 percent of people worldwide actually like going to work. I consider myself among that fortunate 13 percent. In some measure, my job satisfaction is due to what I do and who I work with. A large part […]
The Wonder of Music in Wings of Hope Hospice Care
The Wonder of Music in Wings of Hope Hospice Care Hospice patients, their loved ones and the staff that work with them often recognize a need for paths of communication and comfort care that go beyond the spoken word, the pharmaceutical and even the intellectual. Music may address some issues that become evident for hospice […]
The Right Person at the Right Place at the Right Time
Some of our conversations in life seem relatively trivial; some more noteworthy. Hear the story of a profound discussion I had with a Wings of Hope patient and his wife just two weeks before he died. I met Bill and his wife Doris in their niece’s living room. They had left their home in Byron […]
Advance Directives-We Can Help
Advance directives are a way of communicating who you want to make health care decisions for you in the event you are unable to make them yourself. This is a legal document in Michigan. Making Choices Michigan is a great resource for a simple advance directive form. Check out their website at www.makingchoicesmichigan.org and click […]
Spring Growth
Spring is officially here. The periods of rain and sun are greening things up and tiny crocuses, violets and daffodils are beginning to pop up in our gardens and yards. New life is abundant in spring and the beauty that accompanies this new life, feels renewing. When someone is grieving they may not feel this […]
Grief Goes to Camp
A Day for Teens with Horses at Wings of Hope Camp PEGASUS Grief Camp A Day for Pegasus The campfire around which we will soon gather is just starting to really get going, and the smoke and smell and warmth of burning wood contrasts with the wet, cold grass. Just a tad of frost from […]