Angelika Schwilk has been a hospice volunteer for five years. In an interview with the “Krone” she explains why she sees it as her calling and that beautiful things can also happen on the deathbed.
They comfort souls and accompany seriously ill, dying people on their last journey through life – hospices are particularly strong people with big hearts: “That’s only possible if you love people,” said Brigitte Pekastnig, Vice-President of the Red Cross of Carinthia.
Angelika Schwilk, 61, from Hermagor is a Carinthian hospice who helps the sick and dying in their most difficult hours. “For me this is my calling, I think God led me to it.”
After the death of her parents, who had cared for her and who died within two years, the shop assistant trained with the Red Cross: “I want to accompany people on their last journey.” That means power, transmit power and love. “I usually visit people’s homes. The most important thing is to just be there for them – with words, in silence or just holding the hand of a dying person or a loved one.”
Angels Called by the Dying
Schwilk is currently caring for a seriously ill 71-year-old: “He was an enthusiastic singer. We often sing together. I had to promise him that I would sing for him if he couldn’t do it himself anymore.” The dying person also thanked her with phrases like “You are my great angel!”.
Volunteering for the mother of three and grandmother of four is not a burden: “People are grateful that I am here. It is her wish to close her eyes at home.” Beautiful things also happen on the deathbed: “Two divorced sisters have found each other again.”
Information on hospice counselor training is available at: hospiz@k.roteskreuz.at
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
