Family Matters: Devoted Siblings Thankful for Mom’s Hospice Care
Volunteer Focus Kindness Comes Full Circle for Hospice Volunteer
Taking care of her family was Eva Griffen’s life mission. Born in 1925, she was one of eight children of Italian immigrants who lived in Somerville, Mass. In 1948, she married Francis Griffen, and they raised two sons and a daughter in Brookline. “She poured everything into family – for her children, her husband, her parents, and her siblings,” recalls her eldest son, Ron Griffen, who describes Eva as “a giving, generous, and loving person who enjoyed interacting with others.” Eva was also strong-willed and independent. After her husband died in 2000, she remained in their senior living residence in Revere, where she had many friends. Although she never had a driver’s license, she took cabs to appointments and did her own grocery shopping. Ron recalls that at age 94, Eva began to show signs of depression and expressed fear of becoming sick. Ron and his siblings, Patricia and Stephen,
convinced Eva to live for a time with Stephen in Peabody while they paid her rent, which ensured she would have the option to return to her apartment when she was able to do so safely. Eva’s decline worsened and she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and vascular dementia. Her primary care doctor referred her to a psychiatrist, but her fear of becoming ill grew.“She was fixated on this thought and couldn’t let go of it,” recalls Ron. “It was rare for her to rest and be quiet.” After behavioral health hospital stays and therapy were not successful, Eva suffered a mild stroke. Doctors discontinued the therapy and recommended hospice at home with continued medication. Hospice at home with Care Dimensions Ron and his siblings remembered a visiting nurse had mentioned hospice – and Care Dimensions specifically – following Eva’s hospitalization for a broken hip a few months earlier. They called Care Dimensions, and Eva was admitted onto hospice in October 2022. Care Dimensions ordered a hospital bed delivered to Stephen’s house, where Eva was still residing. Eva couldn’t walk due to neuropathy in her legs, and she didn’t like to be moved from bed to wheelchair much. “We could raise the bed, which made it easier for Mom to eat, as we often had to feed her,” Ron notes. An aide came for an hour every Monday through Friday to give personal care to Eva. Nurse Case Manager Maureen Strout visited several times a week to ensure Eva was comfortable and medications were ordered for delivery. She educated the family about hospice and answered their questions. She remembers Eva as “a delightful lady with a warm smile and a very attentive family.” Maureen realized that Eva’s end-of-life journey would be hard on the family. She and social worker Melanie Porter frequently made joint visits to support Eva and her children. “We built a nice rapport with the family and spoke openly about things like advance directives and medications,” Melanie recalls. Spiritual Counselor Hilary Davis MacNeill’s weekly visits included talking with Eva and praying the rosary with her, providing therapeutic touch, and singing to her. Sometimes Eva would sing along when she was having a good day.
Care Dimensions volunteer Michael Person of Wakefield may know better than most people about the power of kindness. He has faced many challenges, including raising a non-verbal special needs daughter, who was born 26 years ago, just six months before his wife, Nicole, was diagnosed with cancer. Nicole died on hospice in 2007. The kindness of others has helped Michael endure tough times. While Nicole was battling cancer, a stranger paid for his family and a nurse to go to Disney World for 10 days. Community donations paid for a new addition to their house. When Nicole died, a stranger paid for her funeral.
Michael Person holds a doll that he brings on visits with a patient who has dementia and enjoys dolls. As one of 12 children who were taught to give back to their community, Michael believes strongly in kindness and helping people. He has volunteered through his church, local food pantry, and other organizations. For the past two years, he has been a Care Dimensions volunteer who visits hospice patients struggling with dementia or other complex conditions. Giving back as hospice volunteer Michael helped care for his wife while she had hospice at home and has been his daughter’s full-time caregiver. “I’ve been exposed to a lot of things that the average person hasn’t,” he says. Michael often sees patients who are non-verbal but finds a way to communicate with them. “I go where they are,” he says. “I connect with them, engage, and stimulate them.” One of his current patients is living with dementia and enjoys playing with her doll. Michael got a doll he could use when visiting the patient. “Now she plays with her doll and my doll. That’s what comforts her. “I’m a firm believer in quality of life, so I’ll do what I can to help my patients with that,” Michael continues. “I’ve been on the receiving end of people’s generosity for 26 years. Life is not a one-way street. You roll with it or lose. I roll with it and try to bring comfort to other people.”
Looking for a Rewarding Opportunity? Become a hospice volunteer! You can make a difference in a patient’s life by:
• Engaging in a shared interest or hobby • Helping with letter writing or life review • Visiting with your approved dog • Reading to the patient
• Listening and providing a supportive, comforting presence No matter what your skills, talents, or motivation, we have a volunteer opportunity for you! Four-week training program via Zoom Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 - 11 a.m., June 3-26, 2024 (Register by May 24) To sign up, visit: CareDimensions.org/Volunteer Questions? Email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.
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Eva Griffen (center) with her sons Stephen and Ron, daughter Patricia, and great-grandson Andrew
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