Supporting the Upper Peninsula Hospice Foundation | Upper Peninsula Home Health, Hospice and Private Duty

Most hospice organizations depend on generous donations of time, money and compassionate care. Upper Peninsula Hospice is no exception. During our more than 3 decades of service, we have benefitted from countless hours of volunteer service – from hundreds of everyday heroes. Families, community benefactors, and health care professionals have also contributed their financial support, unused medical supplies, and equipment.

Volunteering

Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice – the most vibrant, trusted, and – above all – present member of the caring hospice team. Upper Peninsula Hospice volunteers receive 10 or more weeks of training and orientation. They commit to ongoing training to support their efforts and to encourage personal renewal. There are a variety of ways that you can help:

· Reading aloud or writing letters

· Shopping and other personal errands

· Meal preparation

· Respite care for family members

· Escorting the patient on important outings – a walk in the woods, a fishing trip, a pampering date at the local salon, or a night at a granddaughter’s ball game

All volunteers are careful and caring listeners. They spend time at the patient’s home – listening, encouraging, understanding all that is said, and much that is left unsaid.

Donations

These donations have a great impact on the families under our care and support several important programs:

UPHH Memorial Gardens

UPHH Memorial Gardens are located on the Presque Isle Marina in Marquette and at the Teal Lake Medical Center, in Negaunee. Each year, we host two summer memorial gatherings – a time for family, friends and hospice staff to remember the lives of those under our care. During the winter holidays, we invite family members to place memorial ornaments on a thirty-foot tree at the Teal Lake garden.

UPHH Make-a-Memory

UPHH Grant-a-Wish is a mini-version of the nationally recognized Make-a-Wish program. Foundation funds have been used to support a variety of activities, including family reunions, fall color tours, or just a last summer visit to take a sauna at camp.

Volunteer Training and Support

The Foundation supports regular training and activities for volunteers – the heart of hospice care. Training is held on a regular basis. Volunteers gain skills and experience that transcend the hospice setting – skills such as team communication, sensitive listening, and time management. Volunteers may also gain through increased spiritual awareness.

100% of the money and equipment donated to the UPH Foundation goes directly to hospice patients and families. To make a donation, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please call our Foundation Coordinator at (906) 475-4545.