Those in the Eleventh Hour

Those who give their time to Lakeside Oasis share why they volunteer, and what drives them forward

One of the inescapable truths of life is that eventually, we will reach the end of it. Many of us have watched our loved ones slip into death in a variety of ways, while there are some of us who don’t have those moments with those whom we hold close.

However, one of the great fears many of us have is the transition to end-of-life care. We have worries and concerns, and uncertainty of what that might look like for us. Perhaps at the forefront of the change is the desire not to make that transition alone, and to have someone by our side.

For many years, Buffalo did not have the support to help its citizens make that transition. Then, generous donors from the community came forward, along with a major gift from Stellis Health to build the Lakeside Oasis, which would open its doors in July of 2014. The center would overlook Buffalo Lake with the mission to help families transition their loved ones into end-of-life care, and live their last days well – in peace and with company.

Without Lakeside Oasis offering close-to-home care, many of us might have missed opportunities to spend time with our family members and loved ones. But, we may not always be there to offer the company and care our family needs. There is a rare breed; one that has offered their services and effort to the industry of the dying.

Then, there are those who give their time freely, the volunteer. In thanks for those who give their time in moments we cannot always have with our family, we salute the volunteers of Lakeside Oasis, and learn why it is they give their time, and what drives them to make a difference.

 

Pat Jaeger

Jaeger has been volunteering with Lakeside Oasis for about three years, and has loved every minute of engaging Lakeside Oasis residents, and family.

“When my mother was dying, all seven of us siblings were able to make sure she had family all the time,” Jaeger shared. “There are a lot of people who pass into death alone. After my mother died, a friend of mine’s mother went into end-of-life care, and I decided that I’d step up to the plate and help my friend through this by giving my time. It’s really life-changing.”

Jaeger shared that over the process of volunteering her time to chat and share stories, she has been able to make lasting relationships with residents and family. So much so that many times she’s been called in the middle of the night and at odd times, just because a resident has requested to see her.

“This really confirms that I’m contributing to the community and that I bring happiness to these folks,” she explained. “It’s interesting to see similarities in backgrounds and communities.”

Some of those close-to-home similarities include learning about relationships and families that grow up together in the same area. Jaeger shared that one woman from her hometown knew her father, and had a crush on him in high school. Her relationship with Jaeger blossomed, and she was able to be there when her friend passed.

“Volunteers are needed in this industry,” Jaeger commented. “I’m retired and needed something to do a few days a week to contribute something worthwhile. This is my fulfillment for two hours a week, and it’s so rewarding to see your relationships and friendships grow.”

 

Kathy Kuzma

For about four years, Kathy Kuzma has offered her time in retirement to benefitting the lives of those at Lakeside Oasis.

“I was a nurse all my life,” Kuzma shared. “I wanted to do something in my retirement to give back in some way.”

For Kuzma, her fulfillment comes in seeing lives enriched from conversation, a simply game of cards, or even spending time on Lakeside’s outside deck and gazing over Buffalo Lake. A favorite pastime is the game “Kings in the Corner,” a simple card game that can connect her with residents.

“This isn’t something I ever imagined doing,” Kuzma commented. “I was a pediatric nursing practitioner. It’s interesting because both areas of medicine are dependent on another person for care, just in different ways in opposite seasons of life. I had no idea this would be something I’d do and take such pride in.”

As a retired nurse who understands the field, Kuzma always is sure she offers a helping hand to the many nursing assistants and Lakeside employees.

“This has really opened my eyes,” she said. “Someday, I’ll be in these people’s shoes, and I don’t want to be surrounded by people who don’t want to be there. A volunteer’s heart is golden, and I want that kind of support and dedication when my time comes. I think of this as giving back and preparing for that time.”

 

Carol Kjesbo

For decades, Carol Kjesbo has dedicated her life to music. However, she’s only been playing music at Lakeside for about seven years, in which the time has “simply flown by.”

“I’ve been singing since I was four years old,” Kjesbo shared. “Singing and playing music is like breathing to me; and this has been my passion forever. It’s really what led me to dedicate my life to the art of music.”

Kjesbo has a college degree in music instruments and vocals, and has taught piano lessons for a large majority of her adult life, while also being an elementary music teacher for 41 years.

While her mother was in assisted living, Lakeridge welcomed an occasional musician to come and play music periodically at the facility. However, since it was so popular, they began looking for someone to make regular appearances. That is when Kjesbo stepped up to the plate and offered her time, each and every Monday.

“I love this more than anything,” she commented. “I love them, they love me, and this gives them such joy. Music has such a power to spark joy and memories that we may have otherwise forgotten. You can forget things in your life, but it seems that music always makes a comeback. It’s a magnificent experience to see music come to life for these folks.”

Making music for the residents creates meaningful moments for Kjesbo, and that is something she doesn’t think will ever change. It isn’t about how many people show up, but instead about who is touched and in what way.

“This has been the most incredible experience in my life, because of doing something meaningful for the older generations. These sometimes-overlooked people look forward to this each week, and that means more to me than any wedding, recital, or concert I’ve done.”           

Kjesbo has even passed on her volunteerism to her former students, who have occasionally come to play music and sing for residents. While her heart swells each time she plays, she’s even more touched by the growing crowd that gathers each week.

 

Laura Jones

Known as perhaps the mastermind behind the Lakeside Oasis campaign project is Laura Jones, known in the community as the face that worked alongside a team to bring together funds for the Oasis facility. 

A volunteer for around four years, Jones remembers the fundraising aspect of her contribution to Oasis clearly. Beginning in 2007, she recalls the fundraising effort as one of the most rewarding experiences she can pinpoint.

“Of course, it isn’t just me who did this great thing,” she recalls. “It took countless hours and many, many hands to get this done. For me, I just talked, talked, talked about it. I’ve always had a strong passion for hospice and end-of-life care; it’s a role that’s always needing to be filled.”

Jones was a nurse for 50 years before retiring, working with terminally-ill children in pediatrics. Her husband served in Vietnam, and she’s lived in the area for a large part of her life. Her introduction to end-of-life care came about from her caring for four family members making the transition, and she knew this would always been a rewarding and important part of her life.

“I do whatever is needed,” she said. “Whether it’s sitting with someone in just silent company, or listening to stories, I’m there. It’s about being present for these people, so they aren’t alone. I always knew we needed this in Buffalo, and I’m honored to still be a part of it, even if the fundraising is done.”

Jones started volunteering at age 50, so the aging/elder population started hitting closer to home and becoming more of a reality, though it didn’t deter her from her work. Aging itself, she hinted, is part of the experience of life, and being involved was a great place to come to terms with that for her.

“I have gratitude for people in Wright County; for building this facility, and building their lives here. This is the first end-of-life care in the area, and we really owe it to these community members to make sure they’re cared for in this season of life. I’m honored to be part of that process.”

 

Stacy Kaluza

Kaluza’s journey to Lakeside started in September, but her interest in the industry has been longstanding. Coming to Oasis in September 2018 as a Care Outreach Manager, she acts as a liaison for the end-of-life unit, and the Community Health Foundation in Wright County. With a background in social work, marketing, she decided she wanted to branch out into end-of-life care after having been out of the career scene for a while.

“You develop relationships with these people’s families. I’ve always loved problem-solving and being the go-to if you have questions, so this role was really perfect for me. It’s such a rewarding job; knowing you give back in such a meaningful way.”

Community awareness regarding the end-of-life care process is a large passion of Kaluza’s, and has influenced her community involvement when it comes to fundraising and engaging potential volunteers. Assuring families are being cared for even in the “11th hour of support” is also a big factor of her job.

“Families like to know we’re reaching people in the most crucial times, and we work hard to be sure they have community and company in those moments. Seeing volunteers pour their heart into even just one day a week is powerful to me.”

Kaluza has been busy overseeing changes at Lakeside. While changes are underway, however, the Oasis’ mission will remain the same, offering: “A unique home filled with care, comfort, and peace for those on their end-of-life journey.”

 

Marilee Kramer

“People have always been my passion.”

That’s Marilee’s simple answer as to why she’s been a volunteer at Oasis. She just began her volunteerism journey, and already it’s “just so rewarding.”

Marilee has an accouting background, and she was looking for a different avenue in which she could offer her time and service. Always curious about end-of-life care and passionate about the elderly, Lakeside Oasis seemed like the perfect place for her to start.

“It’s a true reality when you can be there for someone journeying to end-of-life,” she shared. “You really feel connected to a part of the community that is sometimes overlooked. Those connections become well-rounded in not only their lives, but your own. You start to get to know them and their families, and you sort of start cheering them on.”

For Kramer, serving those in end-of-life care is a reminder to take things slow and enjoy the small moments that won’t be around forever. Serving residents in the Lakeside environment is truly moment-to-moment, and offers a unique perspective to the volunteer: one that is patient, willing, and meaningful.

“This is so crucial,” Kramer shares. “You can never have a limit to how much time you pour into them. These people built this community, and giving back in a small way is the least I can do for them.”

Kramer’s goal will be to continue serving in whatever way she can, though “with a smile, every time.”

 

Cheryl Larson

Larson has been a volunteer for about two years at Lakeside, and recognized the need for community involvement quickly. She has a background in visiting hospice patients, and she’s an end-of-life doula, which provides support to the dying and family members. Her role as a compassionate companion offers her the chance to review on life’s cherished memories with residents, hear stories, and calls for the role of a deep listener.

A unique form of volunteering that Larson truly enjoys is pet therapy visits. Larson’s therapy dog, Shima, is a retriever, and has just started her journey with Lakeside. Having been at the facility around six times, bringing a therapeutic animal on site opens up an entirely new level of trust and connection for residents, and families.

“This work just found me,” Larson shared. “My aunt was sick at the time I was working, and I became her caregiver for the last three years of her life. We set hospice up at her home, and the work become meaningful for me. It opened doors to allow me to help neighbors journey to end of their lives at home, and that is an honor.”

The journey of aging at home is on the rise, and while not all families are able to support loves ones on their end-of-life journey at their home, Larson stated that she was thankful that Oasis had a very home-away-from-home atmosphere that was inspiring, and comforting, for residents.

As for pet therapy, Larson stated, “It’s a rewarding thing, used to help people transition. Having Shima on site really builds trust and helps people embrace transition. She gives me peace of mind, as well as residents, and even family members.”

Larson’s journey to Oasis began in St. Michael, where she cared for someone in their home. When the time came to look into more facilitated care, Larson discovered Oasis, and decided that volunteering her time would really “keep a finger on the pulse” of the industry, and know what is going on in the area’s approach to end-of-life care.

 

Adrienne Wojciak

Wojciak has been involved in massage for almost twenty years, and her beginning to Oasis started only a few months ago. While relatively new to the volunteerism at Lakeside, she’s already discovered that it would be worthwhile, and life changing.

“I’ve thought about really getting involved with end-of-life care for awhile,” she started. “Massage is a comforting practice, and it opens a lot of doors for opportunity to socialize and strike up conversation. And, it’s also quite peaceful, which is something residents in that kind of atmosphere could really benefit from.”

However, massage with those in end-of-life care is a very rare opportunity, as many people aren’t in the position of needed rigorous touch. However, Wojciak has found that gentle hand rubs and quiet conversation inspire peace in residents, and she’s fulfilled in even just the quiet silence, unlike she thought she’d be.

“You get a sense of pride after talking to these people and learning of their history,” she said. “It inspires conversation and thought. Then, the donation of someone’s talent, used for a good cause, is not only beneficial for someone else, but grows you as a person, too. All around, this is such a positive thing in our community.”

The thought of coming into someone else’s space, or life, was at first a bit intimidating for Wojciak.  Though, more often than not, people welcome the visit.

 However, Wojciak now has no problems dwelling with comfortable silence, or even just talking about the weather, her family, and faith. For her, it’s important to see people socializing with residents, and getting them involved with the community, which many of them dedicated so many years to.

“If everyone donated their talents and their time, we can really uplift and inspire change in this area,” she started. “It begins somewhere, and for me, Lakeside was just the start.”

 

Tyler Pinot

Since February of 2019, Tyler has been charming the Oasis with his regular, upbeat smile and inspiring positivity. He came to Lakeside as a volunteer from Functional Industries, stating that he wanted “change, and to do something great” for other people.

The fact that he has physical challenges doesn’t deter him. “Volunteering here is really fun,” he shared. “This, with all the other stuff I do in all the seasons, really makes my day.”

One of his favorite things to do is help the site’s chaplain run services and minister to residents, where he goes from room to room to socialize and do what he can to make someone’s day “a little brighter.”

“Volunteering gives you ideas of how to help people. It gives you experiences you can’t have anywhere else. And, if you’re like me but you aren’t volunteering, you really aren’t supporting the handicapped by doing nothing.”

While the job “can be sad,” it is mostly rewarding for Tyler. He spends roughly four hours a week at Lakeside, while also working his job. For him, volunteering is an easy decision, and, he “encourages you to go for volunteering; it is lots of fun!”

 

Sue Olmscheid

While not a volunteer for long, Olmscheid felt the pull to be among those volunteering at Lakeside, as well. She had always wanted to experience volunteering in that stage life, and had witnessed friends and family having move away from their hometown communities to receive that care.

“It feels wrong for people’s last days to be somewhere unfamiliar,” she shared.

Olmscheid’s own father had a lengthily stay in Park View Care Center, another Buffalo facility, and she frequently visited him there with her dog, Izzy. Bringing her canine companion along really opened up doors for her to communicate with residents at Park View, and gain a sense of trust and purpose.

“In my stage of life, being an empty nester, life’s horizon starts to get a little bit shorter, and you realize it’s time to do something meaningful and leave behind something that makes a difference.”

 

Conclusion

This summer, Lakeside Oasis celebrated five years in Buffalo, and is working alongside Lake Ridge in celebrating 100 years of serving older adults in Buffalo. An open house will be held on July 31st, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

A re-dedication will be held on the campus at 5:00 p.m., with a mass butterfly release. To honor a loved one, a donation of any amount will reserve a butterfly release at the event.

 If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Stacy Kaluza at Lakeside Oasis, 763-404-4608.

Publication: 

The Drummer and The Wright County Journal Press

PO Box 159
108 Central Ave.
Buffalo MN 55313

www.thedrummer.com

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