The
Hospice Volunteer
Hospice of the
Twin Cities’ volunteers are a dedicated group of loyal, sensitive individuals
who give of themselves to ensure the mission of hospice. Committed to
excellence, hospice volunteers have a profound respect for the specialized needs
and comfort of terminally ill patients and their families.
Hospice
volunteers understand the complex challenges that patients and their families
face when coping with a terminal illness. Hospice volunteers give their time
and talents to provide ongoing support and reassurance. Volunteers assist in a
broad spectrum of services including household tasks, office tasks, respite,
companionship, and spiritual & grief support.
How
Volunteers Contribute
Volunteers are an
integral part of the Hospice Team who receive training so they may work in the
following areas:
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Patient/Family Care Volunteers provide
companionship to the patient, respite for the caregiver and are welcomed as part
of the Hospice Team. Volunteers can help by making friendly visits, reading to
patients, writing letters, running errands, meal preparation, and light
housekeeping. However, many times the most important thing the volunteer offers
is the gift of their presence.
Ð
Bereavement Volunteers
offer support to the families and friends of deceased patients. During the
grieving process, the specially trained bereavement volunteer can be an
invaluable resource for family members and friends.
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Administrative
Support Volunteers assist Hospice staff by providing clerical support, preparing
mailings or working on special projects.
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Spiritual Care Volunteers enhance the
spiritual care provided for patients and their families.
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On Call Support Volunteers respond
to the unique needs of hospice patients and their families when in
crisis.
Training
** click here to view the 2008
Volunteer Training Schedule **
Volunteers
receive extensive training focused on learning the philosophy of hospice care
and understanding the responsibilities and duties of caring for patients and
their families. The training covers the physical, emotional and spiritual
aspects of death and dying.
Many volunteers
have had a first-hand experience with a family member or close friend who has
had a life limiting illness. This experience often enables the volunteer to be
especially supportive and sensitive to both the patient and the family’s needs.
Volunteer training will give you the self-confidence needed to feel comfortable
in the hospice office or in the patient’s home.
Becoming
A Volunteer
Hospice
of the Twin Cities is always looking for committed volunteers to become a part
of our Hospice Team. Volunteering with our program can be a truly rewarding
experience – one that is appreciated by so many. If you are interested, please
call (763) 531-2424
