Born to Serve: Bob Everson Finds Fulfillment In Volunteering At Franciscan Health

LAFAYETTE, Indiana - In spring of 2023, Bob Everson knew he needed some extra help caring for his wife of 62 years, Barbara, who was ailing. 

She was evaluated for hospice care and accepted into the program by Franciscan Hospice Care in Lafayette. Franciscan's Hospice services provided Bob and Barbara with in-home care, a helping hand and support, since most of their family members live out of town.

"Having hospice services was very supportive," said Everson, a veteran of the Naval Reserve, who lives in Lafayette. "The nurses were able to check on Barb and knowing that they were checking her vitals was a relief to me. They also had a social worker and chaplain who were very helpful. Having all of these people available to us was a true blessing."

When Barbara was diagnosed with Parkinson's, the Eversons would attend Franciscan's Parkinson's Exercise Group, a mobile class designed for those in wheelchairs. At the classes, Bob would bring CDs that were played as part of the exercise program. This was his first inkling that he might be cut out to be a volunteer at Franciscan.

After Barbara died in January 2024, Bob began attending a bereavement group offered by Franciscan Hospice Care. The interaction with others who were grieving like him inspired Bob to reach out to individuals he knew who were dealing with a similar situation. He also had been very active in grief support groups on Facebook.

"The bereavement support group meetings have been really helpful," said Everson. "I knew some ladies who lost their husbands, and I sent them copies of the books that we had used, and they found those helpful. From doing this, I got into helping people, who were grieving like I was, and I found that very rewarding."

This is when Bob decided to become a volunteer and went through the volunteer training program. He now helps assist the bereavement sessions at Franciscan.

Recently, Everson, who along with his military service, enjoyed a long civilian career in veterinary toxicology at Purdue University, started baking and bringing baked goods to each session of the bereavement group. Showing his artistic ability, he also created a shadow box to honor his wife and plans to teach those at the bereavement group how to build a shadow box to honor their deceased loved ones.

"It keeps me connected with my wife that I'm able to bake and do things like that," said Everson. "I always say that when you are going through grief, the deeper the love, the deeper the grief. It just wants to be recognized."

Everson, who served 31 years in the Naval Reserve, is able to volunteer in another unique way. Through the We Honor Veterans program, he visits Franciscan patients in the Lafayette area who are also veterans and provides them with a special pinning ceremony. He dons his Navy uniform, which he proudly said still fits, to pay visits to fellow veterans.

"If you have a Navy captain coming in his uniform and presenting you with a certificate thanking you for your service, it means a lot more wearing the uniform than just somebody stopping by with a volunteer badge on," said Everson. "I'm really looking forward to this and bringing smiles to their faces."

November is National Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care Month and Franciscan Health honors home health, hospice and palliative care team members for the dedication they display on a daily basis, living the Franciscan values through compassionate care for patients.

Learn more about Franciscan Health Palliative Care Lafayette.