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 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.”
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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] |
