WHO ARE HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS?
Hospice Volunteers are ordinary people from the community, who are involved because they care.
- They are carefully selected, screened and trained to offer emotional, social and spiritual companionship.
- They complete a 30 hour training program as well as attending monthly skill enhancement sessions.
WHAT DO HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS DO?
- They are trained to offer emotional, social and spiritual companionship.
- Volunteers listen without judging.
- They can help you to locate community services.
- They can hear life stories.
- They relieve the family care givers for short periods of time.
- They recommend palliative care equipment.
- Volunteers respect the privacy and the need for confidentiality of the client and family.
WHERE DO THEY WORK?
They work with palliative care clients and their families in their homes in Acute Care, and Residential Care.
COST OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
There is no charge for volunteer services.
HOW ARE REFERRALS MADE FOR A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER?
Anyone can request a Hospice Volunteer simply by calling the Program Director at 250-395-7680 . Requests are made by health care professionals, friends, family and individuals themselves. Before we arrange for a one-on-one volunteer visitor, the individual and loved ones need to agree to receive our services and supports.
TRAINING OF NEW VOLUNTEERS
New Volunteers are trained once a year, usually in the fall.
If you are interested, contact the Hospice office, to put your name on a list.