25 years of the Germering Hospice Association: sensitive companions until the end

25 years of the Germering Hospice Association: sensitive companions until the end

A reason to celebrate: The Germering Hospice Association is celebrating 25 years of tireless commitment to the seriously ill and dying. The association was founded in 2000 by a handful of volunteers to enable people in the last phases of life to have a dignified existence. Today the association has an impressive 350 members and over 60 qualified volunteers who work for their fellow human beings every day. “Dying is a part of life, and every person has the right to be accompanied,” emphasizes chairman Christoph Huhner, who has been at the helm since 2024. The commitment ranges from outpatient support to grief support to palliative advice and, since 2022, also to an inpatient hospice.

Carsten Elgert, an experienced hospice companion, describes the enrichment that his work brings him: “It’s about giving time and getting so much in return.” The association emphasizes that volunteers also receive regular supervision, training courses and group meetings in order to be best prepared and find support.

Strong together – the concept of support

The goals of the hospice association are clear and heartfelt: It wants to offer seriously ill and dying people and their relatives a protected space and take individual needs into account. “We create an atmosphere that offers space for conversations and emotional support,” says Monika Hagl-Kühlein, who, as lead coordinator, takes on the central link function between the companions and families.

The commitment of volunteers is supported by extensive training and further education measures. In this way, the helpers can constantly expand their knowledge of life and end-of-life care, which is essential not only for themselves but also for the people they want to support. Not only is time given, but also an open ear and sensitive support.

Hospice movement in context

At the national level, the German Hospice and Palliative Association (DHPV), founded in 1992, is intensively committed to the rights and concerns of seriously ill and dying people. The association is active as an umbrella organization for over 1,290 hospice and palliative services and brings together interest groups from 16 federal states. The important work of the DHPV goes far beyond mere support; she also deals with legislation and the creation of networks between different service providers in the area of ​​hospice and palliative care. Over 141,500 people in Germany work voluntarily and professionally in these institutions.

In this community spirit, the Germering Hospice Association would also like to bring discussions about the sensitive topic of death back to the fore. Events such as World Hospice Day and last aid courses help make dealing with dying and loss more present in society. “It is important that we talk about it and take care of each other,” says Christoph Huhner.

With its commitment, the Germering Hospice Association not only provides support, but also hope and companionship on an often difficult but ultimately natural path.

For further information about the association's offerings and work, those interested can read the hospice association's website [Merkur](/https://www.merkur.de/lokales/fuerstenfeldbruck/germering-ort28724/25-jahre-hospizverein-sie-begleiten-das-leben-bis-zuletzt-93794629.html) or contact the Hospice for Berlin. It is also worth taking a look at the initiative of the German Hospice and Palliative Association, which is committed to improving palliative care in Germany.