New Volunteer Training Nov. 7

Hospice Care Plus is hosting a new volunteer training on Sat., Nov. 7, from 9am to 4pm at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond.

The training is for those who would like to help provide care and support to individuals, caregivers, and families.

Tina Hesketh, Hospice’s volunteer coordinator, says volunteers can fill many roles.

“We have about 100 volunteers,” says Tina. “Some come in once or twice a month to help with office support, like preparing a mailing or making admission packets. Others bake for us a few times a year when we have special events or help answer phones at our Center. And then there are those who work directly with patients and families.”

Tina says this last group—patient care volunteers—are very much needed at this time.

“These are volunteers who are willing to be assigned to a patient and family. They may visit two-to-four times a month to give the caregiver a break, sit and talk with the patient, or maybe do a few light chores to support the caregiver and family. Or they may be assigned to a patient at the Compassionate Care Center to give companionship to a patient who doesn’t have family on site.”

Hospice is also in need of volunteers who can work at the Compassionate Care Center on evenings and weekends, answering phones, responding to patient calls, and greeting visitors.

Volunteers receive training to make sure they are equipped with the knowledge and insight to work in areas like end-of-life care, caregiver support, and grief and loss. After the training, Tina meets with each new volunteer over the course of the next week to help each person determine which volunteer role best meets their needs, interests, and availability.

New volunteers may also choose to get involved with special volunteer programs, such as Teen Volunteers, Vigil Volunteers, We Honor Veterans Volunteers, or the Breakfast Club.

Tina asks that anyone interested in attending the training register by phone or email, so enough training materials and refreshments can be provided.

To register or for more information, please contact Tina Hesketh, volunteer coordinator, at 859-626-9292 or hospice@hospicecp.org.