Caregivers commended

THE ‘givers’ of the community were honoured at a certificate presentation hosted by Zululand Hospice on Friday.

Joined by four visitors from their ‘twin’ organisation Lifetime Care Hospice of Rochester New York, the ‘Value the Volunteer’ and ‘Care for the Caregiver’ function acknowledged the role played by these selfless individuals.

‘Serving patients and the community at large, giving up their time and providing skills and services without remuneration, these are priceless people,’ said Hospice General Manager, Lynn Rubly.

‘A heavy burden is placed on our nurses and care workers who are exposed to the deplorable conditions so many of our patients live in: poverty and lack of resources, stigma, difficulties in accessing health care, children experiencing multiple deaths, etc.

‘We salute them for their dedication and the comfort, care and compassion they give to their patients and their families.’

A total of 45 certificates of appreciation were awarded.

Addressing the recipients, Hospice Board member Dave Savides said volunteers spoke a different language than did the rest of the world, citing the following examples:

•‘It’s not my job’ vs ‘I will do it anyway’

•‘Someone else can do it’ vs ‘I am that someone else’

•‘I do enough’ vs ‘I will do a bit more’

•‘I am too busy’ vs ‘I will find the time’

•‘I must look after myself’ vs ‘Others come first’

•‘I don’t have the resources’ vs ‘God will provide’

•‘I don’t know how’ vs ‘I will learn’

•‘What’s in it for me?’ vs ‘I will receive by giving’.

Savides said the world comprised the givers and the takers.

‘The takers eat better, but the givers sleep better,’ he said.

‘Volunteering is not a decision, it’s a disposition.

‘You don’t get paid, not because you’re worthless, but because you’re priceless.’

He said despite the many challenges facing welfare-type organisations, including financial hurdles, during this time of immense change, ‘as long as there are still committed volunteers, we will get by’.