Jim Gabel, Hospice Volunteer at Gentiva Hospice
Over the years, we have received many nominations from the families regarding the exceptional care they and their loved ones received from various hospice staff. However, most often the descriptions lack details even though the sentiment is strong.
When the nomination for Jim came across my email, I couldn’t wait to deliver Jim’s cup and tell the people he works with about the nomination. I actually stood in their office and read it to them, especially the Volunteer Services Manager, Kimberlyn Wideman.
Our selection committee was nearly brought to tears by Jim’s nomination. Here is what the family had to say about Jim:
My husband, Jovino Jacinto, had a stroke 17 years ago and was put on hospice in December 2024. Jim Gabel was one of the volunteers who came to stay with him once a week. It is undeniable that he is the best thing that ever happened to my husband.
Bing, as he is known fondly by family and friends, had lost interest in communicating after his stroke. Despite the efforts of myself, his daughters, grandchildren, and other loved ones, it was challenging to engage in any long-lasting conversation with him. It was clear he still had such care and interest for those attempting to speak with him, but the difficulty of responding - a seemingly effortless act so many of us take for granted - made it hard to hold conversation. It wasn’t until Jim came along that Bing began to find his voice once again.
I’m still not exactly sure how he did it, but Jim had a way of coaxing the words out of Bing. Suddenly, I saw my husband once again full of life as he regaled stories of his life. Much to my shock, Bing would spend the hours Jim sat with him talking non-stop. We live in an assisted living community, and it wasn’t long before the staff and other residents began to take notice of this shift as well. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to stop me in the hall and share their awe of how Jim was able to hold conversation with Bing, something his closest family members struggled to do toward the end. Many of the residents had never even heard Bing speak prior to his interactions with Jim.
Though it seems like such a simple thing - sitting and talking to another person - it was the most life-changing moment I could have witnessed for my husband, and Jim did not take that lightly. His volunteer hours required him to be with us for only two hours, but he never minded (and was often eager) to stay longer. He knew how much of an impact Bing’s sudden vibrancy had not only on him, but on all our friends and family as well. He even offered to take Bing out for wheelchair walks when the weather was nice, which was another feat in and of itself.
When Bing passed on January 2, 2025, Jim drove two and a half hours to the funeral service, giving little thought to the miles between us. His service did not stop when we said goodbye to Bing. He was there for me to offer a supportive shoulder while navigating the grief of losing my husband, and he and his family even took me out to lunch several times to offer much-needed companionship. I continue to keep in touch with Jim and his wife.
I am a woman of very strong faith, and I truly believe God sent him as a blessing for my family. I will forever be grateful to Gentiva Hospice for not only the care they provided Bing but for also being the reason Jim was in his life and remains to be in mine. Anyone who is fortunate enough to cross paths with Jim through Gentiva Hospice will be truly blessed. He goes above and beyond his call of duty, and I thank God every day for his impact on our lives. which is why I am unwavering in my belief that Jim is of the utmost deserving of this award.
Congratulations, Jim. You exemplify what it means to be a hospice caregiver.
If you know someone like Jim and would like to nominate them for the Hospice Caregiver Award by Schoedinger, just visit our website https://www.thecaregivingtree.com/hospice-caregiver-award/nominate-a-caregiver. Be sure to give examples about why this person deserves to be nominated.