Memorial Home Services Hospice Seeks Volunteers

[April 13, 2017]  SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Home Services Hospice will offer training on Saturday, May 6, to people who are interested in serving as volunteers.

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 this month 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. May 6 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.

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]