Welcome new volunteers

 

Heritage Hospice welcomes a new group of volunteers who completed training Sept. 24. From left, they are: Kathy Kasten of Gravel Switch; Kay Sheldon of Danville; Connie Yeager of Garrard County; Tasha Robinson of Lincoln County; Don Porter of Danville; Susan Greer of Crab Orchard; Connie Padgett of Stanford; and Sherry Ferrell of Stanford.

Hospice volunteers can give as little or as much time as they want. Some volunteers donate several hours each week while others commit to a few hours each month. Some volunteers prefer to help with one event as needed. Each person interested in volunteering can schedule a time to talk with Wendy Hellard, director of volunteer services, to discuss their interest and availability. All levels of commitment are welcomed.

     Last class of volunteers

 

 

Heritage Hospice is so proud of its latest class of volunteers. They attended training Jan. 15. They are, from left to right: front row, Sally Cochran, Jana Oliver, Bill Oliver and Matt Roberts; second row, Carol Bastian, Trudy Sutherland, Linda Irvin, Sam Irvin, Rose Rogers, Connie Stevens and Janet Brogli; and third row, Carol Ann Johnson, Kevin Freedman and Walter Gooch.

Next training will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March. 24. Register before March 21.

 

Ways to work with patients

Heritage Hospice volunteers can do a variety of things to help patients and family depending on the need. Sitting with a patient and being a good listener are a couple of ways they help. The Circle of Care program is designed for volunteers to stay with actively dying patients who don’t have family in the hope that no one will die alone. Trained volunteers provide bereavement care to family members who are grieving the loss of a loved one through companionship and support programs. Examples of ways volunteers assist are: running errands, light housekeeping, preparing light meals and spending time with patients so caregivers may have a break.

Ways to work with hospice staff

• Assist administrative or clerical with mailings, computer work and filing.
• Assist with fundraising, including the annual plant sale, cookbook sales and special events.
• Assist with the quilt project, which provides patients with quilts.
• Assist with card design and scrapbooking.

Guidelines for being a volunteer

• Must be age 18 or older.
• Complete the volunteer training course.
• Be in good physical health, free of communicable diseases.
• Must not have had significant loss in their own lives within the past year.

Requirements for volunteers

• Be willing to participate in continuing education.
• Be willing to attend 50 percent of monthly meetings.
• Be able to satisfy a criminal background check.
• Be willing to provide two personal references to be contacted.
• Must be responsible for submitting necessary paperwork in a timely manner.
• Must be willing to adhere to Heritage Hospice Inc. policies and procedures with respect to staff and volunteers.
• Honor the confidentiality of patients and family members.
• Be willing to have TB test or screening yearly.