About Irene
Irene loves being at Laurel Hospice Wellbeing and being of service to the palliative care unit. Irene offers meditation and reiki to patients and their families once a week, making a big difference to those who receive her acts of service. Irene also provides a fortnightly group meditation session for nurses and staff at the Laurel Hospice Palliative Care. Irene’s offerings bring her joy, knowing that her sessions help attendees clear their minds and reset themselves for the day.
Q&A Interview:
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the opinions and thoughts of our interviewees, reflecting on their own experiences and views.
After my husband’s step-dad passed away in the Laurel Hospice over 5 years ago, I remember when I walked out of the hospice, I said to myself, “I’ll be back here to offer my services when I feel the call” and sure enough, middle of last year I had a big pull to come and offer my energy healing to the patients and help them to find a sense of peace within themselves.
I think there needs to be more awareness of palliative care and all the different things that volunteers can do to be of service. Even sending out these newsletters with real stories of volunteers to a wider audience beyond
the internal network, would be amazing. I reference my volunteering on my social media (obviously not sharing personal details, names, etc.), but about the service and my role there, I have had a couple of people recently who are interested, and I have given them contact details of palliative care. We need more people volunteering in Palliative Care!
Not only do the volunteers offer their expertise, whether it’s reiki, massage, or an art session, but they also offer kindness and emotional support. They hold space for the patients and offer their time with love.
The gratitude I have received from patients by simply sitting next to them, having a 20-minute chat is truly a beautiful gift to experience. Often, these are the final days, hours, and moments of life; they don’t want to be alone. Offering what we can as volunteers is very special not only for the patients but for the families. The families can take a break from care knowing the patient is in the care of kind-hearted, happy, loving volunteers. Some patients
don’t have family to come and visit them. Some must work, and it’s difficult for some families to be there all the time, but knowing the volunteers are there, we can fill in that gap for them which gives the families peace during this very difficult time.
From the beginning, I have received support by making sure I understood the role. I am provided support when patients pass away, having information sessions and workshops, and having group meetings to share any
concerns I may have. I always feel supported, and if I have any questions, I am very comfortable asking Kylie, the wellbeing coordinator, or anyone else at Laurel Hospice.
If we could have more volunteers so that there is someone there every day offering a service, that would make a big difference. An extra therapy room with a bed would be great for Laurel Hospice at Flinders Medical
Centre.
I would love to see access to music in every patient’s room, where we can have music of their choice playing, e.g., nature sounds, waves of the sea, and meditation music. Music is powerful, a great distraction from pain, and a way for them to let their minds drift into something nicer.
It is, and will be, one of the most rewarding experiences you will have. I feel a deep sense of gratitude every afternoon I am there. Most of us can make the time – even simply one hour in the week, where we can be selfless and share our time with people. Being a part of the patients’ journey also helps remind me to live life to the fullest. Be kind, show love and create beautiful memories.
Get involved – you will grow in ways you couldn’t imagine.
