Paradigm volunteers are an essential part of our care teams and assist with enriching every day for a patient. As an invaluable resource, they bring a friendly smile, warm conversation, a hand to hold or offer a welcome respite family. To learn more about becoming a Paradigm volunteer, visit our Volunteer page.
Janakiramaiah S.
Q: What or who inspired you to become a volunteer?
A: My younger sister and brother-in-law inspired me to volunteer. After talking with them and listening to their own positive and rewarding experiences, I knew that I wanted to be a volunteer and contribute to support for folks.
Q: Did Paradigm Health make it an easy process to begin volunteering?
A: Yes, absolutely, they have been so helpful in making this process very simple and easy. I’d encourage anyone with time they can share to contact them. It makes such a positive difference in the lives of both the patient and the volunteer. They really took the time to find out about me and my interests and try to match me with someone that I would be compatible with.
Q: How often do you volunteer in a month’s time?
A: I volunteer about five to six hours a month. The time goes by so quickly that before I know it, a visit is over.
Q: What type/types of patients have you volunteered with?
A: Recently, I have been volunteering with a patient who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.
Q: Describe a typical volunteer visit with a hospice patient?
A: I usually arrive at the assisted living facility around 10:30 in the morning on most Saturdays. We both enjoy board games and we either play Yahtzee or Scrabble. Both are good games to keep the mind sharp and great for interaction. After we have played two or three games, I take the patient to join others for lunch and we make plans to meet again the following week.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about volunteering with Paradigm Health?
A: You can’t put a price tag on the smile on their face or the spark in their eyes when they see that you’ve come to visit. But, I have to say that I get as much comfort and reward from my visits as does the patient I am visiting.
Q: What would you tell others who might not be sure about volunteering especially with terminally ill patients?
A: Each and every minute in life is important. I hope that I can add a bit of color to their life by spending quality time with them. Paradigm Health is all about enriching each and every day and I know that as a volunteer, I play a big role in that holistic team approach to enhancing life.
Q: How has volunteering changed your outlook on hospice care or your own life?
A: That is easy: Life is beautiful. Love and be loved.
