The importance of volunteer support

L'Info contacted Lucie Derry, who is responsible for coordinating volunteer services for people with cancer and at the end of their lives. She begins by explaining that volunteering should never be defined as work: “I prefer to talk about volunteering, in service of a cause. Volunteers are mostly retired people who give of themselves, but also get back.”

She goes on to explain that people who feel called give their time “to add meaning to their lives, which brings home how lucky they are to be healthy, because being around death and illness stimulates life.”

Presentation of attendance

According to Ms. Deary, volunteers work with the care team and social workers. They do not provide medical care, but rather provide loving, caring listening and presence: “Support is provided at a soul level. We help patients with their daily lives and questions, and give them a break. » She adds that because volunteers do not react as emotionally as relatives, patients often find it easier to confide when they feel the need to speak up.

In addition, support also affects caregivers and loved ones: “So that people who are sick or at the end of their lives can stay at home as long as possible, the caregiver must remain balanced, must have time to go shopping, or eat.” Taking care of herself. »

Care provided

Women with breast cancer do not necessarily go through the palliation phase, so freelancers can come to the offices in Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Agathe, or Mont-Tremblant to receive one-on-one support that allows them to “get the word out about cancer.” The ensuing shock keeps them alive. »

Ms. Derry adds that a support group has also been created so that these people with cancer can “participate with their peers, motivate each other and share their thoughts on certain topics.”

When the disease is more advanced, volunteers come to your home, usually in four-hour groups, one or more times a week. As caregiver needs increase at the same time, due to fatigue and emotional distress, Ms. Derry specifies: “The more the disease progresses, the more present we become in patients’ daily lives. »

There is also a dedicated 'End of Life' team who can provide full evenings or nights of attendance allowing the carer to rest and sleep without interruption. For caregivers too, Palliacco offers virtual support groups or yoga and relaxation classes that help them manage the stress and emotional strain associated with the disease.

Be a volunteer

Ms Derry says around a hundred volunteers are currently working with Baliaco, but the organization is always looking to recruit, as the demand for support never wanes. Training is provided to enable future volunteers to “understand what they can offer, learn to listen, and practice role-playing scenarios.” What is important is to remain of service to the sick person and help them move forward in their own journey.

All exchanges between patients and volunteers are confidential, but those responsible for support, like Ms. Derry, offer support and offer “spaces for discussion and sharing between volunteers” as well as ongoing training to learn how to “stay authentic and enrich your human being.” Connect while keeping a fair distance and maintaining your emotional engagement. »

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