Volunteer shares how mother led her to hospice work
When Betsy Haraf's mother, Stasy Heile, entered Midwest CareCenter's hospice suite at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Betsy was certain her mom was near the end.
Heile had experienced a hemorrhage in her brain and was in an unresponsive state. Betsy and her five siblings stood vigil with their mother 24/7, and Betsy said she was stunned by what she saw.
"I was probably there the most, so I got to see the hospice unit in action and I was blown away," she said. "The empathy, care and compassion - we were just overwhelmed with love from these people who had never met us."
After seven days in the suite, Heile became responsive and began to ask for food. Soon, she was able to return home to her family with the help of Midwest CareCenter staff. At home, she continued receiving support from Midwest CareCenter and she was able to start walking with the help of a walker and eat on her own.
She even got well enough to be discharged from hospice care, something that doesn't happen often.
"When Mom got her second lease on life, it was such a wonderful experience," Betsy said. "She reconnected with all of her children in a new way, and I credit Midwest CareCenter for helping to make this possible."
After six months, Heile's health declined again and Midwest CareCenter staff cared for her in home hospice with a team that included her doctor, nurse, a certified nursing assistant, a chaplain and a vigil with a music-thanatologist. Heile died at age 91, peacefully in her home surrounded by her children and care team.
"I can't even describe the impact they had on our family," Betsy said. "It was just incredible. And once it was over, I wanted to know how I could give back."
Betsy, who lived in Arlington Heights for decades and now lives in Lake Barrington, had always volunteered with her church. But after her experience with her mother, she chose to branch out and volunteer at the hospice suite at Northwest Community Hospital.
"I decided I wanted to be there because that unit is amazing," she said. "When people think of Midwest CareCenter, they always think of its beautiful pavilion in Glenview. I don't think residents in the Arlington Heights area are aware of the great work that goes one there."
Because it's a "hidden gem," Betsy said the hospice suite at Northwest Community needs more volunteers to provide administrative help for staff, to spend time with patients for companionship and comfort, and to greet families who are visiting the suite.
"There is so much opportunity there to grow and care for people, and sometimes it doesn't even require words. It's just holding a hand, saying a prayer or giving a hug to a crying daughter."
After about six months of helping at the suite, Betsy now works as an official employee for Midwest CareCenter as an administrative assistant, but she would only accept the position on one condition: that she could continue her volunteer work.
"It's become an important part of my life and I feel so fulfilled. I know if other people knew about this, they also would find such joy in it," she said.
Betsy is one of several volunteers who will share their stories and answer questions for prospective new volunteers at a recruitment event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Lutheran Homes, 800 W. Oakton St., Arlington Heights.
For more details, contact Lisa Dye at (847) 556-1613 or Ldye@carecenter.org.
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