Q. Who
Are The Hospice Volunteers?
A. ...Hospice volunteers are
men and women of all ages and backgrounds. They are both professionals
and lay persons, who are interested in working in a variety of areas for
Hospice. Some do office work, others are interested in fundraising or
community relations, and many assist the Hospice team in caring for
clients and helping their families.
Q. Do
They Receive Training?
A. ...All volunteers working with
clients have completed a 30 hour training program. Throughout the class
they closely examine their own attitudes and feelings concerning death, practice
communication skills, discuss the physical and emotional stress
experienced by clients and families, and become familiar with the
Hospice concept and Hospice personnel.
Q. More
Specifically, What Service Can Our Assigned Volunteer Perform?
A. ..Our client service volunteers
perform services that you might ask a neighbour or relative to help
with. For instance, the volunteer may:
stay with the client while a spouse or
family member runs errands or goes to an appointment
help with shopping or pick up
prescriptions
help prepare suitable meals
take clients to doctor's appointments
or for treatments
visit with the client and family
members
provide support and a caring ear
Q. Does
The Volunteer Always Come At A Scheduled Time?
A. ...Some families and volunteers
prefer to have a regularly scheduled visiting time. For instance, every
Tuesday afternoon. Others prefer to be more flexible and call the
volunteer to work out the most convenient time as the need arises.
Q. What
If, For Some Reason, The Assigned Volunteer And I Are Not Compatible?
A. ...We try to select a volunteer,
from our pool of available volunteers, whom we believe will get along
well with your particular family and will meet your needs. If for any
reason you feel a change is necessary, please contact Hospice to discuss
this further to help find a better match.
Q. Can
The Volunteer Give Medicine To The Client?
A. ...Volunteers do not administer
medication directly to the client. If the family or visiting nurse has
prepared the medication by pouring it or putting the pills out, the
volunteer may hand the medication to the client, who will take it.
Q. The
Hospice Volunteer Has Been So Nice To Us, Can I Give Him/Her A Present?
A. ...May we suggest verbally
expressing your appreciation or writing a note to Hospice about the
volunteer. Hospice depends on the generosity of the community for nearly
60% of its budget. Memorial donations and other gifts directed to
Hospice Peterborough are a wonderful way to show your appreciation of
our work and to ensure the service is available to others.
Q. I'm
Beginning To Feel That Our Hospice Volunteer Is Almost As Close As A
Member Of The Family. Is That Unusual?
A. ...No. We hear that
frequently, and that is part of the beauty of Hospice. The success of
Hospice is based on relationships formed at a difficult time in the
lives of our clients and their families. These relationships are often
quite deep and long-lasting.
Q. How
Long Will Our Volunteer Be Able To Work With Us?
A. ...If possible, the volunteer
will be available to you throughout the illness and during bereavement.
However, vacations, illness or family responsibilities may cause the
volunteer to be temporarily unable to continue. If possible, another
volunteer will be assigned to help you, and you will have another friend
in Hospice.
Q. I
Think I Might Like To Be A Hospice Volunteer Someday. Is That Possible?
A. ...Family members can be
very helpful to our organization by telling their story to their friends
and neighbours. Others have completed our volunteer training program
after their period of bereavement, and have gone on to find their niche
in Hospice such as on the board, through committee work, or in the
client service area.
Hospice
Palliative Care
Questions and Answers About Hospice Volunteers