Angela Riedel: An unparalleled companion in the hospice service in Oschatz

Angela Riedel: An unparalleled companion in the hospice service in Oschatz

In the quiet town of Oschatz, volunteer hospice attendant Angela Riedel has been helping terminally ill people for seven years now. They are mainly used in nursing homes, hospitals or even at home. A formative quote in a specialist magazine made her aware of the topic of death and led her on the path to dealing more intensively with this sensitive topic. In 2018, she began training with the outpatient hospice service, which prepared her for the diverse challenges of support and the associated emotional concerns. These include, among other things, dealing with fears, difficult conversations and recognizing the needs of those affected.

The goal of Riedel's work is to provide comfort and companionship to people in their final days. During their visits, the focus is on listening and being present, with activities such as reading aloud or going for a walk playing an important role. Riedel emphasizes that she does not take on any medical tasks, but only offers emotional support. For her, her job is not stressful, but rather an enrichment that helps her deal with her own feelings. The experiences taught her to recognize the importance of grief and to take the time necessary for it. Riedel regularly visits a man over 90 years old who, despite his age, is mentally fit and asks lively questions about world events.

Shared values ​​in hospice work

The hospice movement has gained importance in Germany since the 1980s. Hospice work, as described by the Evangelisches Diakoniewerk Oschatz-Torgau and the Johanniter, aims to provide the best possible support for seriously ill people and their relatives. The support takes place in a protected environment in which people can live out their last days in dignity. The individual needs of those affected are given special consideration, regardless of their denomination or belief system. Johanniter, for example, offers extensive outpatient hospice services that focus on the quality of life of the dying and also support their relatives.

There are now around 1,000 outpatient hospice services in Germany. These are often financially dependent on donors, as health insurance companies only provide a subsidy for the services. The work is also supported by volunteer life and death companions who play an important role in the entire process and do everything they can to enable people to die with dignity.

A look at the future of hospice care

Angela Riedel is convinced that there needs to be a lot more people who are concerned with the topic of death and who are considering training in hospice care. She firmly believes that greater understanding and openness about dying can significantly improve the quality of life of everyone involved in the final phase of life. The work in the hospice unites numerous volunteers with a common mission: to make it possible to die with dignity and at the same time support the grief of the relatives.

The support from Diakonie and other institutions is not only important, but even necessary in order to continue to offer hospice work on a broad basis. The combination of medical and emotional support creates an atmosphere full of security in which those affected can feel safe and understood.

As Riedel aptly states, the whole topic is not only a challenge, but above all an enrichment for everyone who gets involved in it. Dealing openly with death and the grief that comes with it can make a huge difference for everyone involved, so that everyone receives the appreciation and support they deserve in their final days.