COMMUNITY. Former judge Gabriel Lassonde traded ski slopes and golf courses to spend part of his retirement at Magog hospital. And it’s not his 81 years that will prevent him from blossoming by accompanying the sick at the end of their life.
“I was no longer good enough to play sports in my retirement, so I turned to volunteering,” he says humorously.
His choice fell on L’Envolée, a group that has been accompanying palliative care patients since 1990. Mr. Lassonde goes to the hospital center once a week to accompany patients who will soon die. He also supports bereaved family members.
“It’s very gratifying for me, because we offer quality time, especially to those who suffer from isolation and loneliness,” says Mr. Lassonde. This volunteering helps me a lot personally, but we help sick people a lot to soften their end of life.”
“It’s harder when people die at 40”
Mr Lassonde admits that discussions with patients are sometimes very sad. He also cries with the sick, but above all he lends an attentive and empathetic ear. “It’s harder when people die at 40,” he admits.
“Sometimes we suffer small mourning, he testifies. Sometimes we expect to see someone again, but when we get to the hospital we learn that he died the day before. We need to be able to manage these situations and be able to provide support to the patient arriving in palliative care, who is also at risk of dying in a few days or just a few weeks.”
“Despite these emotions, I can’t wait to come see my patients. We live in very rewarding times.”
The treasurer of L’Envolée, Lise Messier, appreciates the authenticity that is always present in these last moments. “People are always real at the end of life, she continues. We offer our support to singles, but remain in the background when families are around.
Ms. Messier admits that the arrival of assisted dying has changed things a bit. The volunteers have adapted to this new reality, respecting all the choices of the patients, regardless of religion or spirituality.
SHORTAGE OF VOLUNTEERS
Labor shortages also affect the EU sector. L’Envolée is no exception to the rule with a significant decline in volunteers following the health crisis. From 50 people, the group has recently shrunk by half with volunteers offering varying hours. This resource will not be able to respond to all support requests without increasing the number of volunteers. We want to cover nights and weekends more easily, as well as extend support to other areas of the hospital.
Ms. Messier particularly invites men to join the group, as Mr. Lassonde is the only active representative of the male sex. “It’s important to have a balance to satisfy all of our patients,” she cautions.
But not everyone is allowed to volunteer at L’Envolée. The check of criminal records, the selection interview and training are scheduled. You must be in good physical and psychological health to avoid possible relapses.
The main qualities required are listening, respect, empathy, discretion and openness towards people. Volunteers can in particular help a patient eat and drink, read to him or listen to music with him. They also offer moments of respite to families, offering them an attentive and reassuring presence.
Their mandate is to make the Essential Palliative Care Unit welcoming by distributing coffee and snacks. Thanks to them and caring employees, the unit has a calm and relaxing atmosphere in order to create the best possible conditions to pass this death test.
It should also be noted that L’Envolée is organizing a training conference with Véronique Jaccard, entitled “Taking care of yourself”, on Saturday 17 December at 10.00. Lunch and coffee will be served from 8:45 in the Salle du Bonheur of the Day Center.
Donations possible on site, at the two funeral homes in Magog and online at www.lenvoleemagog.org/don/
Learn more or volunteer at 819-843-3381, ext. 2462
