Stewart Memorial

(Lake City) On April 20, 2010 the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Hospice Volunteers held there annual volunteer appreciation gathering. Jodi Ricklefs from the Alzheimer’s Association Fort Dodge location spoke to the group about Alzheimer’s disease. She presented an overview of the disease and it’s effect and also taught effective ways of interacting with those who have later stages of the disease.

The Community Hospice volunteer of the year for 2010 was given to Shelia Berger. Shelia was presented with a plaque and will also be able to attend the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa fall conference with other Community Hospice staff. Shelia Berger has been a volunteer with Community Hospice since 1983, working with patients and their families. She has provided comfort to patients and families over the years by providing caregiver relief and by being a willing listener for families. Shelia connects well with patients and families through her compassion and understanding. She is always willing to take on new patients and stays up to date through regular hospice in-services. Shelia’s work at Community Hospice is greatly appreciated by staff, patients and families.

“The volunteers are a vital part of the care Community Hospice provides. They are able to provide families with services such as support, child care and running errands. They are often family members of past hospice patients and are able to provide insight based on their own experience” stated Michelle Shaver, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Social Worker and Volunteer Coordinator.

If you would like more information on services offered by Community Hospice, or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please call 712-464-4201. To learn more about the services Stewart Memorial Community Hospital has, visit us online at www.stewartmemorial.org.