Volunteer Helping Hands
For more information or to​​ request services, contact
Penny Gladhill
301-990-0852 or pennyg@caringmatters.org
Our community-based, non-medical hospice support program, serving Montgomery County residents, offers short-term, practical, social and emotional support for people of all ages with serious,
life-limiting illnesses.
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CaringMatters is licensed by the state of Maryland as a limited hospice care program. While we do not provide medical services, we supplement medical hospice and we also support patients who are still pursuing curative treatment. All our services are free of charge.
Services include but are not limited to:
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Companionship and socialization
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Emotional support
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Respite for family caregivers
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Limited transportation within Montgomery County, MD
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Errands, meal preparation and other household tasks
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Accompaniment on outings with ambulatory clients
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Who is served by Volunteer Helping Hands?
Individuals in Montgomery County with a serious, life-limiting illness who could benefit from extra support.
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Individuals facing acute decline in functioning or progression of illness
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Individuals may be pursuing curative treatment or receiving hospice services
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Services are provided in homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes
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Self referrals are welcome, as are referrals from healthcare providers and other community agencies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose CaringMatters?
A medical hospice accepts patients in the last six months of their lives and requires that curative treatments be discontinued. They provide palliative care, striving to make the patients as comfortable and pain-free as possible in their final days. In contrast, CaringMatters, as a non-medical hospice, does not require a six-month or less prognosis, curative treatments may still be pursued. CaringMatters' services are provided at no charge.
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Can patients obtain services from both a medical hospice and CaringMatters at the same time?
Yes. In fact, CaringMatters coordinates with local medical hospice services when a family requires both types of hospices. We work in conjunction with every medical hospice in Montgomery County, as well as home-care agencies, nursing homes, and hospitals.
Does the patient need to have a doctor’s referral before calling CaringMatters?
No. We accept patients with or without a doctor’s referral. Every patient is required to have a local physician available to respond to medical needs. CaringMatters can help locate an appropriate medical provider if none is currently involved.
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Where is care provided?
Volunteer caregivers will visit homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities -- wherever needed.
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Who are the caregivers?
Caregivers are carefully screened and trained volunteers who work directly with patients, families and friends to navigate end-of-life challenges and choices. They represent a variety of professional and ethnic backgrounds, ages, and life experiences. Common among them all is the desire to make a difference in the lives of those faced with end-of-life challenges.
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Does the patient need to have signed a Do Not Resuscitate order? No. We provide services to those with and without a Do Not Resuscitate order.
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What happens after a patient dies?
CaringMatters can continue to provide support. Our bereavement services director can provide information about support groups and community resources. No one will have to face their grief alone.
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"Being an only child with one remaining parent, I did not know where to turn when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. A friend referred me to (CaringMatters). They helped me handle every aspect of her care, from recommending home nurses to paying her regular visits and helping me plan for her passing. They are truly angels on earth."
- Volunteer Helping Hands client