Volunteer Spotlight – Charlene Altman / Interviewed by Debby Wells

Have you heard of a doula? I didn’t, until my interview with Charlene Altman. She has a Certificate of Completion from the International End-Of-Life Training Program. According to INELDA (International End-of-Life Doula Association, a member-based non-profit): A doula is someone who provides companionship, comfort, and guidance to those planning for death, diagnosed with a terminal illness, or facing imminent death. Doulas offer non-medical holistic support encompassing emotional, spiritual, and practical care. Doulas offer resources to the dying person and their circle of care to make informed decisions in a supportive environment.

Charlene has been a volunteer with Hospice Savannah for seven years. While Charlene will help wherever it’s needed, her passion rests in helping patients to bridge from life into death. Charlene feels she has a spiritual gift to share with these patients and their family circle, so she sits with them in the HIPU (Hospice In-Patient Unit) and provides whatever support the patient would like to have – reading, talking or just ‘being present’ as she has provided this care for many types of patients; from the incredibly young to the very old.

She wants patients to know they are not alone, and someone genuinely cares about them. Often acting as the constant eyes and ears for the HIPU nursing staff, Charlene alerts them if the patient appears to need additional pain management or other treatment. She also assists the family during this time by reminding them they need to take care of themselves; stay hydrated, take nourishment, or just get some fresh air. Charlene spends as much time as needed with the patient during their transition. She’s stayed overnight and has spent as many as 90 hours in one month supporting someone through their journey.

Charlene wishes that more people would request hospice care services sooner. As volunteers, there are so many ways we can be of assistance and help to guide a patient’s journey; we must continue to work to get the word out.