Hospice seeks volunteers
Have you ever wondered how you could help when members of our community are facing the crisis of terminal illness? If you have, you may be interested in knowing that Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County will offer volunteer training on Monday evenings in Wooster, beginning on Monday, Sept. 19.
Rebecca McCurdy, hospice volunteer coordinator, said, “We are greatly in need of individuals interested in supporting patients and families who are facing terminal illness. The focus of our training is on equipping people to help terminally ill persons live their lives to the fullest for as long as possible. Through our volunteers we look to enhance the quality of life of our patients with companionship, music, the company of certified therapy animals, and spiritual support. In addition, our volunteers can help family caregivers by giving them a break or assistance with the tasks that help keep the household running smoothly during the crisis of terminal illness.” Anyone interested is encouraged to call McCurdy at 330-264-4899 or 800-884-6547, or email her at RMcCurdy@wchospice.org.
The training includes preparation in hospice history and philosophy, active listening and communication techniques, pain and symptom control, hospice care in private homes and in nursing homes, body mechanics and physical transfers, infection control, meeting the emotional needs of dying and grieving persons, spiritual care of dying and grieving persons, and bereavement care training. An abbreviated training is also provided for those interested in volunteering in the hospice office in a clerical role.
“Hospice volunteering is about being a good neighbor. It is about people of this community helping their neighbors at a critical time in their lives,” McCurdy said. “Even if someone isn’t sure if hospice work is for them, they are encouraged to take the training. It’s the perfect way to find out if this is something you would like. You are not committing yourself by taking the training, but if you do decide to join our team, you will join some of the finest people in the community who wake up every morning knowing they really make a difference for those around them.”
Rebecca McCurdy, hospice volunteer coordinator, said, “We are greatly in need of individuals interested in supporting patients and families who are facing terminal illness. The focus of our training is on equipping people to help terminally ill persons live their lives to the fullest for as long as possible. Through our volunteers we look to enhance the quality of life of our patients with companionship, music, the company of certified therapy animals, and spiritual support. In addition, our volunteers can help family caregivers by giving them a break or assistance with the tasks that help keep the household running smoothly during the crisis of terminal illness.” Anyone interested is encouraged to call McCurdy at 330-264-4899 or 800-884-6547, or email her at RMcCurdy@wchospice.org.
The training includes preparation in hospice history and philosophy, active listening and communication techniques, pain and symptom control, hospice care in private homes and in nursing homes, body mechanics and physical transfers, infection control, meeting the emotional needs of dying and grieving persons, spiritual care of dying and grieving persons, and bereavement care training. An abbreviated training is also provided for those interested in volunteering in the hospice office in a clerical role.
“Hospice volunteering is about being a good neighbor. It is about people of this community helping their neighbors at a critical time in their lives,” McCurdy said. “Even if someone isn’t sure if hospice work is for them, they are encouraged to take the training. It’s the perfect way to find out if this is something you would like. You are not committing yourself by taking the training, but if you do decide to join our team, you will join some of the finest people in the community who wake up every morning knowing they really make a difference for those around them.”
Published: September 8, 2011
