“Hospice of Homer has been one of the loves of my life ever since losing my husband nearly two decades ago,” she reflects. “Over the years, Hospice has offered me comfort by delivering medical equipment, helping me recover at home with volunteers driving me to appointments, and providing compassionate care through one-on-one and group grief support.”

Breckenridge’s experience is something Holly Dramis hears often from volunteers and donors. “Those who give often speak of a return that is deeply personal – they get more than they receive,” says Dramis, Hospice of Homer Executive Director.

Healthy aging requires building and maintaining connections with those around us – connections that can often be lost once we retire and children leave home, Dramis explains. “What you give by volunteering to help others in your community is a gift you also give yourself.”

As a non-medical hospice supporting primarily older adults as well as those nearing end-of-life, Hospice of Homer offers a broad range of free services available to all ages – and volunteer opportunities. Hospice volunteers do everything from providing respite care to delivering equipment, which means there’s a role for everyone.

“Volunteering is flexible and our volunteers serve in the way they want to serve,” says Volunteer Coordinator Morgan Laffert. “Many volunteer because they have the time, others donate their time because they want to help. Everyone gets something from their experiences, both clients and volunteers, and that is something special.”

With the community’s rapidly growing aging population and vast service area, additional volunteers are required to meet growing community needs.

“While I am 1 of 75 volunteers, we are in need of many more to help Hospice of Homer meet the growing number of neighbors requesting support,” Breckenridge says. “We serve a large area and volunteers are the lifeline for communities such as Port Graham, Seldovia, Homer, Anchor Point, and as far up as Ninilchik.”

Caring for yourself is caring for your loved one

Respite care is one of the most important services Hospice of Homer provides, especially as the majority of care takes place within the home. The pressures of around-the-clock caregiving can mount quickly, yet “caregivers hold a quiet guilt for even thinking about themselves,” Dramis says. “But if you’re not taking time to care for yourself, too, you’re pouring from an empty cup.

“It’s OK to ask for help – that’s what we’re here for. You don’t have to do this alone.”

“I hope you’ll consider donating your time (or money, we need both!) to Hospice of Homer, whether it’s holding the hand of a neighbor nearing end-of-life, delivering holiday bags, giving caregivers time to do whatever they want, or making someone smile,” Breckenridge says.

It all makes a difference.

Learn more at hospiceofhomer.org