2023-09-12 10:29:45
The Raphael Hospice Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary. You shouldn’t imagine this facility as a place of constant mourning, says association president Andrea Maria Reiser. There is a book that contains funny stories on the way to saying goodbye.
Actually, the Salzburg artist Andrea Maria Reiser just wanted to organize a small exhibition in the Raphael Hospice in Morzg. A short visit ultimately turned into a close relationship that lasted many years.
The artist joined the Friends of the Raphael Hospice ten years ago and has been president for four years. “I was asked if I wanted to take part. I mightn’t say no. Up until that point I hadn’t given much thought to this topic,” remembers the artist. The association has 250 members. Membership fees are used to fulfill patient wishes, among other things.
The hospice in Morzg, which is named following Archangel Raphael, who is considered a good Samaritan and companion of the sick, has space for nine patients who are terminally ill.
More humility and gratitude
“It’s bad when young people die. That makes me even more humble and grateful because luckily I’m still healthy,” says Andrea Maria Reiser, who also completed training in end-of-life care. This accompaniment ranges from simply holding hands to deep conversations and short walks. “It’s good when there’s someone there at the end of your life to give you support,” says Reiser.
Nine patients are currently being cared for in the Morzger Hospice
But you shouldn’t imagine the hospice as just a sad place. “Of course there is a lot of laughter, we even have our own humor book in which we record funny stories. We want to give these people a nice last time with us.” There is also the option for your life partner to stay overnight in the hospice. “Then we put a second bed in each room,” says Reiser.
There is a long waiting list
There are currently nine patients living in the hospice. These people are looked following by highly trained employees. In addition, several doctors take turns providing medical care. There is a longer waiting list. “Unfortunately, our hospice is the only one in the entire state of Salzburg. I hope that something will happen soon,” says Reiser.
Big celebration in the Kavalierhaus
The anniversary celebration will take place on September 21st at the Kavalierhaus in Klessheim. “We want to thank everyone who makes this great facility possible,” said the club president. Musicians will perform, there will be a panel discussion and Salzburg’s Archbishop Franz Lackner, who took over the patronage of the hospice four years ago, will also be present. “There will also be an appearance by Werner Gruber, who offers humor seminars.”
And what is their relationship with death? “Through the training, I live a lot more consciously. I have hope that things will continue following death,” says Reiser.
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