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 Volunteers work with patients and families in 14 counties
throughout central Illinois. Memorial Home Services Hospice
currently has more than 90 volunteers in its program. Their roles
range from offering direct assistance to patients and their families
to helping in the hospice office.
“Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice program. They
provide companionship, assist with errands and chores, offer
bereavement support and even help in the hospice office,” said Kyli
Streckfuss, volunteer and community education coordinator.
Prior to becoming a volunteer, individuals must complete a brief
interview in September and attend a seven-hour training course.
Interviews are currently being scheduled.
 The training course will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 in
the Memorial Home Services building at 720 N. Bond St. in
Springfield. The course offers an introduction to the hospice
philosophy and general guidelines for volunteering.
“Volunteers are a crucial part of our team. Our families greatly
benefit from their assistance,” Streckfuss said. “Each volunteer
brings his or her unique talents and abilities to their work with
patients. That’s the great thing about being a volunteer.
Individuals can give of their time in a number of ways.”
Hospice support also continues after the death of a loved one with
bereavement care extended to family and friends, Streckfuss said.
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Volunteers support grieving family and friends by offering companionship,
maintaining phone contact during the bereavement period, providing emotional
support and education about the grief process, she said.
Memorial Home Services cares for hospice patients in Mason, Logan, De Witt,
Cass, Menard, Macon, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, Christian, Shelby, Greene,
Macoupin and Montgomery counties.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Streckfuss at
217-788-3870.
[Michael Leathers, Memorial Health
Systems]
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