Residents Can Become End of Life Companions for Loved Ones by Elise Anguizola - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Residents Can Become End of Life Companions for Loved Ones

By Elise Anguizola , Community Writer
April 7, 2015 at 12:09pm. Views: 84

Once someone is born, there is non-stop fanfare and celebration; but when the end of life comes for those with no family or friends to provide comfort and solace, it can be a very sad and lonely experience. Redlands Community Hospital has found a way to provide reassuring comfort to those who have no one to be by their side during their final days and hours with the Pastoral Care Department’s No One Dies Alone Program. “The program seeks to provide a deep reassuring presence to dying patients who otherwise would be alone,” said Debbie Evans, MSW, Director Social Services and Pastoral Care at Redlands Community Hospital. “Our Compassionate Companions, along with the Nursing and Support staff, offer patients a precious human gift—a dignified death.” The program assists individuals with no family, as well as those whose family members are unable to sit at their relative’s side for hours on end. “We had a patient hospitalized who, along with the family, decided to stop aggressive care following a long battle with cancer. The patient's spouse was then admitted to the hospital with a life-threatening emergency and opted to the treatment of palliative care. The only family present for both hospitalized patients was a daughter who was exhausted trying to divide time between her dying parents. The nurse requested the presence of a Compassionate Companion to provide solace to the daughter with the comfort in knowing that neither of her parents would die alone,” explained Evans, citing an example of the assistance that the program offers. “The Compassionate Companion sat for hours at the bedside of the patient.” The Pastoral Care Department at RCH is currently looking for community members willing to sit at the bedside of a person making their transition from this life to the next. The goal of the program is to take ordinary people with a compassionate heart to assist others and train them into becoming part of an extraordinary group of individuals who sit with the dying, so no one has to die alone. Those interested in participating will take part in a training class to assist them in learning about this life changing experience. In this role, volunteers, known at the hospital as Compassionate Companions, will assist by completing four-hour shifts with a patient who has neither close family nor friends to be with them near the end of their life. Compassionate Companions will be trained to understand the hospital culture and learn about the medical aspects of what terminally-ill patients are going through as they prepare to leave this life. “The goal of ‘No One Dies Alone’ is to ensure that our patients feel that extra touch of humanity, feeling relaxed and comfortable during their last hours,” adds Evans. “Volunteering is the core of human compassion, and the Pastoral Care Department is committed to providing this heart-felt and unique service to our community.” For more information about the program or how to become a member, contact the pastoral care department at 909-335-5552.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 781

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 388

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 126

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 406

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 352

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 432

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 220

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 330

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 365

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 484

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 374

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 431

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->