Memorial Home Services Hospice Seeks Volunteers

 

[July 25, 2018] 

SPRINGFIELD

Memorial Home Services Hospice is seeking volunteers to work with patients and families in its 14-county region.

Memorial Home Services Hospice currently has nearly 60 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 Susan Cook, volunteer services assistant with Memorial Home Services Hospice.

Prior to becoming a volunteer, individuals must complete an online training program.

“The online program makes it possible for volunteers to complete the majority of their training from the convenience of their own homes,” Cook said. “It allows us to train volunteers at their pace in real time. There is no deadline for applications, and we can take volunteers as they come.”

Volunteers still come in for an in-person interview with hospice staff, attend an orientation for new volunteers and receive medical clearance, which includes a drug screening and background check.

“Volunteers are a crucial part of our team. Our families greatly benefit from their assistance, and we welcome and need volunteers from many different backgrounds. With the aging veteran population growing, we would love to have more volunteers who are veterans themselves,” Cook 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 caregivers, Cook said.

Volunteers support those grieving by offering companionship, maintaining phone contact during the bereavement period and 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 Cook at 800-582-8667.

[Michael Leathers, Memorial Health System]