They take their name from the "Lady with the Lamp" yet never see the people they help.
The Nightingale Society of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties finds out about area patients in need of its services from the nonprofit association's nurses and social workers.
The group then provides what founder Gina Bikales calls nonclinical help - for instance, paying for critical medicines from an emergency fund to keeping patients cool during the desert summers with free fans and air conditioners.
But, Bikales said, because of patient confidentiality laws, group volunteers never know the names of the people they care about so passionately.
"To do the best to take care of someone ill or dying, you have to make life as convenient and comfortable for these people as possible," she said.
The list of services the group provides is limited only by patients' needs and members' inventiveness in finding ways to meet them, said Linda Curea, the group's current chairwoman.
The Nightingales have arranged for tree-trimming, pest eradication and repairing doorways to make them wheelchair-accessible, Curea said. Patients who would otherwise never get out of bed are given chairs and sofas.
Group volunteers also find businesses and individuals to donate merchandise and services.
"It's not an organization, it's a network of women who find things for people," said Joyce Montgomery of Rancho Mirage, a retired nurse and health-care administrator who volunteers with the group. "It's one of the multitasking things we do well."
Started three years ago, the Nightingales have about 28 members, Curea said. Last year, the group generated about $20,000 in free goods and services for patients of all ages in the Coachella Valley.
Right now, the group is focusing on its yearly Fan Club drive, finding fans, air conditioners and swamp coolers for area patients facing the desert summer without a means to stay cool.
"For some of our patients, this is a matter of life and death," Bikales said. "It would be inhuman to go through a desert summer without a fan."
Last year, the group received donations of more 150 new cooling units, and it is looking to increase the number.
"There are several important reasons we need to do that," Bikales said. "(Fans) help to dissipate odors and aid in healing."
As with all the Nightingales' services, those who receive the fans and air conditioners are identified by visiting nurses and social workers.
"Many elderly patients and people have prided themselves on being independent," said Curea. "Asking for help is threatening to their pride and independence."
The group often gets thank-you notes from the patients it has helped, Curea said, but that's not what keeps them going.
"For Bikales, the reward is "knowing that you're doing good in the community."
"(When) the call comes out, we know we will provide something to someone who needs it," Curea said. "It's something you can put your arms and your heart around." Go Back |
