Baths & Birds: Ron Eppert and Jim Kline’s Two Decades of Service

Patient care and support at Compassus encompass many dimensions, each as vital as the next. Among the shining examples of dedication and compassion are Ron Eppert and Jim Kline, two extraordinary hospice volunteers who have been providing compassionate care in the Indianapolis community for over 20 years.

Throughout their years of service, Ron and Jim’s roles have evolved, but their commitment to patient care has remained unwavering. For most of their time with hospice, they provided a deeply personal and meaningful service: bathing male patients on the inpatient unit every Monday. Specially trained for this task, they found that their work transcended the act of caregiving, fostering profound connections with patients and their families.

“Providing baths was a real privilege that allowed us into the most intimate relationships with patients and their families,” Ron reflects. “Out of those relationships came the many blessings we received as volunteers. We felt valued for the care we provided, but we were also blessed by the patients and family members who witnessed to us great faith and love as we served.”

In addition to their regular duties, Ron and Jim occasionally made patient home visits, further extending their compassion and care to those in need.

However, when the pandemic struck and volunteer regulations changed, their role in bathing patients came to an end. But true to their spirit of service, Ron and Jim found a new way to contribute. Instead of working inside the inpatient unit, they shifted their focus outside, where they now tend to the bird feeders stationed alongside patient rooms.

“We fill the 13 feeders weekly with seed and thistle, which attract all kinds of songbirds,” Jim explains. “Hospice staff members tell us that patients and family members appreciate seeing and hearing the birds, which provide beauty and comfort to them. And we are thankful for the opportunity to continue to support patient care in this way.”

This continued commitment is a reflection of our “Care for Who I Am” philosophy at Compassus, where we strive to honor the individuality of each patient and their unique needs. By caring for the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—our volunteers, like Ron and Jim, ensure that every patient is treated with dignity and respect throughout their hospice journey.

The impact of Ron and Jim’s new role, while different from their previous duties, remains profound. The songbirds they attract bring moments of peace and joy to patients and their families, offering a connection to the natural world that soothes the soul.

Volunteers like Ron and Jim are the backbone of our hospice care, providing support that goes beyond the physical needs of our patients. Their dedication and long service are deeply appreciated by the hospice staff, who consider them integral members of the inpatient team.

At Compassus, we are honored to have such compassionate individuals as part of our volunteer family, continually finding ways to enrich the lives of our patients and their loved ones, even in the face of change. Ron and Jim’s story is a testament to the enduring power of kindness and the many forms that patient care can take.

Thank you, Ron and Jim, for your unwavering service and dedication to our patients and their families.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer and providing compassionate care with Compassus, click here.

To learn more about our Indianapolis inpatient hospice program click here.

To learn more about our Indianapolis hospice program click here.