Hospice volunteers help others bravely face death
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com
World War II veteran Bob Dingman knows a lot about bravery.

Maria Prescott

"In service in World War II, I saw brave men in combat. Working for hospice, I saw more bravery in the volunteers."

The volunteers at Hospice of the Conejo have to reach inside themselves and find strength they didn't know was there, Dingman said.

"Most people go out of their way to avoid death and dying. Hospice workers volunteer to face it, and that's not an easy thing to do. I see a lot of parallels to courage in combat."

The Purple Heart recipient recalled one of the most frightening situations he's ever faced.

"There was a 9-year-old boy with brain cancer I was assigned to be with, and I remember standing outside of his room afraid to walk in. It takes a lot of faith and courage," said Dingman, former hospice board president.

For more than 30 years Hospice of the Conejo has brought together a team of people dedicated to providing compassion and support to patients with lifelimiting illnesses and their families. About 100 volunteers try to give "the best that humankind has to offer," according to executive director Maria Prescott.

The group's service area covers Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Agoura, Oak Park and Calabasas.

Anyone in the last stages of life is eligible for hospice services at no cost, Prescott said. There is no age limit.

"We serve about 600 people a year," she said. "We take care of the entire family." Kid's Connection/Youth Hospice Support is designed to support children who are facing the imminent death of a parent, grandparent, any other family member or a terminal illness of their own, according to the group's website. The Pathways Companion Program supports isolated, homebound people who have a serious medical illness or disease that is considered a pre-hospice condition.

Two adult bereavement support groups are offered. One is for adults who have suffered the loss of a spouse, child, parent or other family member. Another is for widows or widowers age 60 or over.

Groups designed to provide support to school personnel during a school or student crisis are also available.

The pregnancy and infant loss group helps those who've lost a child in utero, during birth or shortly after birth.

Among those who volunteer to help is a certified pet therapy volunteer, who visits patients and families with her certified dogs.

And for those who prefer music to fourlegged friends, hospice provides music therapy. A volunteer who is a professional pianist will bring a keyboard to clients and play selections chosen especially to help them be more comfortable and control pain.

"Those who volunteer at hospice do it because they have a calling," Prescott said.

To contact Hospice of the Conejo, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, call (805) 495-2145 or e-mail hospice@adnetsol.com