Wilson Health Hospice is offering training classes for anyone who would like to assist patients facing terminal illness and their families.
The classes will begin July 19 and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday through August 4 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Classes will be held at the Wilson Health Home Care & Hospice office, located on the second floor of 1083 Fairington Drive, Sidney.
“Currently, our hospice volunteers provide a vast array of services for our program,” said Terri Esser, volunteer coordinator. “In hospice, volunteers are vital in extending care and emotional support and often developing meaningful relationships with the patients and their families.”
Volunteers who are comfortable with direct patient contact can aid in services such as, respite care, visits for socialization or emotional support, assisting with household chores or transportation, running errands or providing other individual talents for certain events. Volunteer pet therapists are also welcomed. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to join the “hospice vigil” team to provide end-of-life support to ensure that no patient dies alone. This service offers patients who have little or no family with a companion who is available for the patient in the final hours or days of his or her life.
For individuals who are uncomfortable with direct patient contact, there are other unique volunteer opportunities available for volunteers. These opportunities include, performing clerical tasks, assisting with public relations, fundraising and bereavement and singing in the volunteer choir, Volunteer Voices.
The only requirement to become a hospice volunteer is a desire to contribute to the hospice program. Volunteers must pass a background check, as well. Volunteer hours are very flexible and are based around the volunteer’s schedule. Training will be administered to volunteers, and volunteers will then be able to assess how their talents and experiences can best be used to help the terminally ill and their families.
“We are looking for compassionate, caring and optimistic men, women and teenagers who want to work with our patients, families and staff members,” Esser said.
For further information or to register for training classes, please contact the Wilson Health Hospice volunteer coordinator at (937) 498-9335.