The corona virus has presented many people with major challenges. Seriously ill or dying people and their families were particularly affected. “Our volunteer hospice counselors were no longer allowed to visit these people personally because of the contact restrictions,” says Georg Bischof, hospice and mourning officer at the Maltese in Lower Franconia. Whenever possible, the companions and those seeking help would have called or chatted, “but that never replaces the face-to-face encounter sitting in bed,” said Bishop.
With the relaxation of the contact restrictions, personal escorts are now also possible in Lower Franconia. “We are dealing with members of risk groups, particularly among the dying, but also with many of our hospice workers,” says Bishop. Special hygiene and protective measures are therefore necessary. In Lower Franconia, 350 volunteers are active in Maltese hospice work. Because some of them belong to risk groups themselves, there are currently fewer.
“We deal with inquiries very responsibly. We want to give the closeness that is possible, even under the difficult circumstances, and do not leave anyone alone when dying or in acute grief.” Anyone who would like to be accompanied can therefore contact the Maltese. Information and contact to the hospice groups in Lower Franconia at www.malteser-unterfranken.de or in the Maltes diocesan office in Würzburg on phone 0931 / 4505-227.
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