Hospice Fundraiser Speaker Learns As He Listens

By Nancy K. Crevier

When Gerard Lamoureux answered the advertisement for hospice workers at Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut in 2003, he planned to do hospice care for no more than one year. He had gone through training to become a certified nurses’ aide (CNA) at the urging of his then-fiancée, but was not finding the career to his liking, at that point. “I thought I’d probably go back to the family business, working in the dry cleaning business in Danbury,” said Mr Lamoureux, who will be this year’s guest speaker at the annual Newtown Hospice Breakfast, Tuesday, June 8, at the Waterview in Monroe.

“I fell in love with what I do for Hospice, though,” said Mr Lamoureux. “You come in at a time in people’s lives that no one ever plans for: who is going to take care of me if I get sick and am going to die? People don’t want to think of that, and then one day, it’s here,” he said.

His role as a CNA for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut is to tend to any personal care needs of hospice patients, as well as any other physical and emotional needs. The big man with a teddy bearlike quality about him said that his physical strength makes him particularly useful, and his gentle demeanor is soothing to both clients and the families whom he assists.

A hospice caregiver must be sensitive to the different ways in which end of life is approached by each individual and family, said Mr Lamoureux. “Hospice has a holistic approach, and we care for those of all faiths and cultures and are sensitive to cultural differences,” he stressed.

“I help them to do whatever they want to do, so that they can stay at home. It gives the family a break, too, from the daily care when I come in. I’ll take a patient outside, if they want, I’ll talk with them, or sometimes it is enough to just sit with them. It’s different for each one,” said Mr Lamoureux.

Listening is a skill that is especially important in hospice care, Mr Lamoureux said. “Sometimes people, especially the younger ones, are angry. They had plans, they were going to retire and relax, and now that all ends. They need to talk, and I’m there to listen,” he said.

In what will be his second appearance, having been featured at the fundraiser in 2004, he plans to share with the Hospice breakfast audience the “light side” of the people he has met, said Mr Lamoureux, and the many characters with whom he has had the pleasure to spend time, as well as the valuable lessons he has learned as a hospice caregiver.

The first time he spoke before the group, he emphasized how his involvement had increased his patience, tolerance, and persistence. They are areas in which he continues to grow personally, he said. “Since working for Hospice, I’ve started treating my own family differently. I’m a lot less selfish, and I think that Hospice has a lot to do with that. I’m more concerned for others than I was before I became a CNA. I can be more of a support to people,” he said.

Those lessons hit home this past year when his younger brother died. “I was able to take what I have learned and help my own family. I was able to be there for them in a difficult time,” Mr Lamoureux said.

“I feel honored and useful to be in patients’ and families’ lives during this period of life-limiting illness,” said Mr Lamoureux. “It’s a gift.”

Volunteers are always needed, especially during the daytime hours, said Mr Lamoureux, and he hopes that his talk will encourage others to reach out. “There is an emotional component that has to be addressed as a Hospice volunteer, and it isn’t for everyone,” he admitted, “but it is worth looking into if anyone thinks they might be able to help.”

Information on volunteering for Hospice can be learned by contacting Carolyn Wolfe, at 203-739-8300.

He is optimistic that when he looks out over this year’s Hospice Breakfast audience, that he will see every table filled. “It is an important fundraiser for Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut. Hospice has been doing even more outreach than ever the past couple of years. We cover the needs that insurance doesn’t cover, we cover needs for people who don’t have any insurance or have limited insurance. I think there are more people who need help today because of the poor economy. We are seeing people who might not have reached out to Hospice in the past needing our assistance. Donations are critical,” he said. “These breakfasts are the fuel for the tank that allows us to help more people.”

The annual breakfast also serves as a “thank you” to the many Hospice volunteers from the area.

The Annual Newtown Hospice Breakfast Fundraiser and Thank You will be Tuesday, June 8, at the Waterview on Route 34, Monroe, just over the Newtown line. Sponsors are invited to buy a table that seats seven guests and the host, for $100. Corporate sponsorships are also available, at $500 for a table for 12. Walk-ins are welcome, at a cost of $12 per person. For information, contact Marg Studley at 203-426-3651. Attendees are asked to arrive by 7:45 am for the 8 to 9 am event.