Mitchell became a patient of Hospice of the East Bay in August of 2010. He spoke to his social worker about his love of the arts and his desire to experience them firsthand again. But the pain in his back made it difficult for him to stand or sit for long. His nurse was able to manage his symptoms with medicine and enlist a volunteer massage therapist to help with the pain.
His home health aide administered Healing Touch: a gentle, non-invasive energy therapy that reduces pain, anxiety, depression and the side effects of medication. He also benefited from visits from hospice’s spiritual care counselor. The combined efforts of all of these caregivers allowed Mitchell to stand, sit and walk longer as well as give him peace in an otherwise difficult situation.
His social worker requested a wish grant for Mitchell though An Elderly Wish Foundation – an organization that enriches the lives of the terminally ill by making lifelong wishes come true. He received two memberships to the de Young Museum as well as a private viewing of the Impressionist Exhibit. Thanks to the dedication of his patient volunteer, Bob Dobbins, he has visited the museum twice. Dobbins has also taken Mitchell to vote, shop and enjoy a weekly lunch date.
“You don’t know what you have done for me,” Mitchell said of his experience since entering hospice care. “You have brought beauty back into my life. Hospice of the East Bay staff and volunteers are a shining example of what is good in man. In fact, they have become my new family.”
Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a nonprofit agency that helps people cope with end-of-life care by providing medical, emotional, spiritual and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more, or to make a donation of time or money, call 925-887-5678 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org. To make a wish request or for more information about An Elderly Make a Wish Foundation, call 925-978-1883 or visit www.elderlywish.org.
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