Senior Voice -

Do you know of anyone who needs some extra support this winter? Hospice of Anchorage is a volunteer hospice that provides help and support all over Anchorage free of charge. As a volunteer hospice, our only criteria is that an individual have some kind of life-limiting illness, rather than requiring individuals to stop curative treatment or have a prognosis of less than six months to live. We come alongside the client’s current medical team to provide additional help, without taking away any of the providers already involved. Our services include monthly visits from nurse educators and social workers in addition to being matched with volunteers to provide socialization or help around the house.

We also provide free educational events throughout the year available to everyone in the community. We would love for you to join us for the following sessions:

“Speaking of Grief: How to be a Friend to Those who are Grieving,” Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. Sarah Davidson, a Grief Recovery Specialist, will be providing guidance and support for how to help those around you through loss.

“Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cremation,” Wednesday, March 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. Dominic Hasara from the Cremation Society of Alaska will be discuss cremation options and funeral planning.

Each of these presentations will be held at the Hospice of Anchorage office, 2612 E. Northern Lights Blvd., and are completely free of charge. Call 907-561-5322 to let us know you’re coming.

Bethany Burgess is the Hospice of Anchorage clinical director.