AREA HOSPICE PROGRAM REVITALIZING

    “People need people. Everyone needs someone, no matter what stage of life you are at.” Kathy Buisker spoke these words when asked why she and several other volunteers are working to resurrect a service in the Britton area that has a rich history of caring for those in need.
    After a brief period of inactivity, hospice in Britton is back, providing care for those nearing the end of life and support for their families. Under the new name Britton Area Helping Hands and Hospice, a group of volunteers is reviving the organization. 
    Britton Hospice dates back decades to when one woman got the ball rolling thanks to a school project. In the early 80s, Annette Shousha of Britton, the wife of Dr. Alfred Shousha, returned to college and wrote a paper about hospice as part of a final project as well as spoke to community organizations. Around this same time, Shousha also recognized a need for hospice as several community members had passed away from cancer. 
    “I knew the interest was there and the need was there but it looked like such an overwhelming thing to organize. I didn’t know if we would get enough volunteers,” said Shousha in an Aberdeen American News article in July of 1985. 
    Yet, with the help of many other volunteers, she moved ahead with a plan to get a hospice organization formed. By the middle of 1985, Britton Area Hospice was at work, with Shousha as its first executive director. 
    As noted then, “The goals of hospice include helping the patient to live as fully as possible, keeping the patient at home as long as appropriate, supporting the family in providing an environment that is peaceful, secure and comfortable.”
    Over the years, many dedicated people worked towards those goals in Britton and beyond. A Britton Journal article from the mid 90s details more of hospice’s good works. Then Director of Britton Area Hospice Pat Farrar noted that they had 19 volunteers at that time and were happy to be working with both Marshall County Healthcare Center and the nursing home. 
    Volunteers would spend several hours per week in hospice patients’ homes. A hospice room was also added at the hospital that offered a home-like atmosphere for patients. 
    “It was the most wonderful thing that happened to us,” Donna Wilgers was quoted as saying about her husband Wayne’s stay in the room. “When you’re in the hospice room it doesn’t feel like you’re in the hospital. It feels like it’s a little room at home. And the volunteers were always there to help. They are very compassionate people.” Another hospice room was later added at Wheatcrest Hills in 2002. 
    Buisker explained that initially the organization was simply volunteers helping those in need. “We held hands, shopped for groceries, ran errands and were there if the families needed a break,” she noted. In the beginning, there weren’t much or any financial resources, but eventually that started to take shape.
    “We began receiving memorials and donations,” said Buisker. It became possible to support patients and their families financially. The organization would get a huge boon in 2018 when the Cameron Johnston estate left the group a sizable donation.
    Former Hospice Director Mandy Carlson explained that large donation allowed the organization to provide more financial support as well as help more people in general.  
    However, like many organizations and groups, Britton Area Hospice, took a hit during COVID. With no or limited access to the hospital, nursing homes and people in general, the ability to visit others and hold hands was greatly reduced. “It more or less fizzled out,” said Buisker. 
    In the last few years, the organization essentially passed out of sight and perhaps out of mind for locals. But the dedication to help others, especially those nearing the end of their lives, still burned for several people in the community. Consequently, those people are working to revive hospice.
    The organization has been renamed Britton Area Helping Hands and Hospice. LaVonne Furman, the group’s new director, discussed what kind of care they hope to provide. “The possibilities are endless. We offer support to Marshall County Healthcare Center and Wheatcrest Hills nursing home. We can provide financial assistance to families dealing with chronic health conditions. We can offer meals to families at home, grocery runs or baking if needed. Or we can just be with you, sitting with patients or families.” The hospice rooms at MCHC and Wheatcrest are also still available 
    The organizers clarify that this service is a non-medical hospice program. In other words, medications are not administered and nursing care is not part of it. 
    Furman added how happy she is to be helping with this renewed effort.  “I haven’t been involved with Hospice in the past, so I am excited to get started,” said the new Director. “I think this is an amazing organization that expands compassion and caring with the help of each volunteer.”
    As they grow their mission, the organizers emphasize they are definitely looking for volunteers. “We’re still all volunteer based,” said Carlson. “So, many people are needed.” They stress that there is some training provided and no previous experience is necessary. 
    Carlson added that they would love to expand the area they serve if enough volunteers join the cause. Financial support is also appreciated. 
    “We have a lot of ideas for growth and would encourage old and new volunteers to help us reach our best,” said Furman. The organizers invite potential volunteers who want to learn more about the program to one of two meetings on Sept. 17 at 2:30 or 6:00 p.m. in the MCHC Conference Room.  “If you have a passion for helping others, please join in and bring a friend,” added Furman. 
    When the volunteers were asked why they are reviving this important local effort, Furman commented, “Because we care.” 
    If you or someone you know would benefit from Britton Area Helping Hands and Hospice’s services, you can reach out to Furman at 605-470-0594 or Buisker at 605-448-8120. They add that no medical referral is necessary and all information is confidential.