Palliative care network seeks volunteers to assist terminally ill

by Andy Campbell

Mar 12, 2008

ALMAGUIN – In cases of terminal illness, it is often said that nothing can be done for a patient. That is not entirely true.

“No one wants to die alone, and you want to die with your dignity if you can,” said Nathalie Leclair, of the Near North Palliative Care Network (NNPCN). “We try to offer that.”

The focus of palliative care is on comfort and quality of life. When an illness cannot be cured, there is still much that can be done to ease someone’s suffering. NNPCN volunteers work alongside family, friends and health-care professionals, providing comfort and support, a calm presence and a listening ear, as well as a respite for the primary caregiver.

“It’s about caring,” said Leclair.

The NNPCN has served the districts of Nipissing and Parry Sound since its founding in 1987, and its roots are right here in Almaguin. According to Leclair, it was a terminally-ill Powassan resident who provided the inspiration. He wanted to live out his remaining time in his own home, and that was only possible through the joint efforts of his family and friends.

“They recognized the need to develop something like this,” said Leclair. “I’m sure it’s similar for a lot of other areas in Ontario.”

The NNPCN relies on volunteers to provide the necessary care, matching clients with volunteers who are best able to meet their needs.

“We try to accommodate the volunteer as well as the client,” said Leclair, explaining that volunteers can decide how much of their time they are able to give. Someone who can only spare a day each week can be matched with a client who requires that much. “If it’s somebody who needs more time, we’ll match them up with a volunteer who has more time to give.”

The NNPCN provides training for its volunteers, beginning with a 10-week introduction to hospice care. The next course is set to begin on April 1, running Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m, as well as one full day on a weekend. Topics to be covered include emotional, psychological and spiritual issues, pain and symptom management, infection control, comfort measures, signs of imminent death, as well as grief and bereavement. Those who complete this course will be eligible for additional training in the future.

Leclair said that the NNPCN is currently in need of volunteers.

“We’re looking for compassionate individuals who are dependable and enjoy working with people,” she said.

Palliative care volunteers make a very big difference in the lives – and deaths – of the clients they assist. What people might not realize is how beneficial the relationship can be for the volunteers themselves. Even at the end of their lives, people can contribute something of value to those who know them. Many volunteers have been enriched through this kind of personal connection.

“They find a great sense of fulfillment when they work with these clients,” said Leclair. “It’s very rewarding.”

For more information on becoming a volunteer or a client, call NNPCN at one of the following numbers: 497-9239 in North Bay, 753-5771 in West Nipissing, or 744-3771 in Mattawa. E-mail: nnpcn@bellnet.ca.