Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Regional Hospice of Western CT is looking for volunteers to work with our patients and families. Family Support Volunteers (FSV) provide personal support to patients and their caregivers. Volunteers may provide companionship for patients or respite for caregivers. They may provide transportation, do shopping and errands, assist with daily tasks, and offer a welcoming smile, a listening heart, and caring hands.

This comprehensive training will teach volunteers what they need to know prior to being assigned to a patient or family, and gives them the confidence to be a supportive presence to families in need. Training is October 5th and 6th, from 9am - 4pm, and October 8th from 9am to 1pm. Participants must commit to all three training sessions. An application and interview are required prior to attending the training.

FSVs are members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team which include registered nurses, social workers, home health aides, and spiritual and bereavement support. The FSV work in conjunction with other team members to provide a continuum of care for patients, families, and caregivers.

Volunteers are provided on-going support from Regional Hospice staff as well as multiple in-service trainings throughout the year.

FSV are required to attend the Family Support Volunteer Training Program which is held several times a year, and attend a Regional Hospice orientation to ensure competency and confidence when working with patients. They are asked to commit to one year of volunteer activity. Time schedules for volunteer activities are flexible and structured to compliment volunteer availability and patient need. Volunteers, when assigned to a patient, may spend as little as one hour per week to as many as six hours per week. Volunteers are asked to commit to two to four hours per week.
All FSV must have a criminal background check. In addition, at least two of the three references listed on a candidates application form are contacted either by phone or mail. Unfavorable references are noted on the application form.

The minimum age to be a Family Support Volunteer is 18.

Those interested must have an application submitted and interview arranged prior to September 25, 2009.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut

We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekdays Weekly Weekends This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (21-54) Individual Adults (55+)

Contact Person: Carolyn Wolfe, Volunteer Director, (203) 739-8315, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

405 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810 (See a map)

Directions:

Regional Hospice of Western CT is located at 405 Main Street in Danbury Connecticut. It is at the intersection of Main Street and North Street. RH is easily accessible from Interstate 84, exit 5. Eastbound - take exit 5 and go straight at stop sign. At traffic light, turn right onto Main Street. RH is immediately on the left after the Dunkin Donuts. From Interstate 84, westbound, take exit 5. At traffic light at end of exit ramp, turn right at light. Go straight through next traffic light past Dunkin Donuts and turn left into Regional Hospice parking lot.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N/A,   Walk distance (in minutes): N/A   Nearest Bus Stop: Intersection of Main Street and North Street, 3 minutes minute walk

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Bethel Brookfield Danbury Hawleyville New Fairfield Redding Ridgefield
Counties:		Fairfield
Zip codes:		06470,   06488