Volunteer Opportunity Details:

As a specially trained hospice volunteer, you will become a "Friendly Visitor" to a terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Hospice's interdisciplinary team works with both the patient and family members to support each with end-of-life issues and palliative care. Hospice team members include volunteers, doctor, hospice nurse, social worker, pastoral care coordinator, volunteer coordinator, bereavement coordinator and physical, speech and occupational therapists. Hospice volunteers should be empathetic, caring and non-judgmental. Volunteers may choose to work in a variety of settings: in patient's homes, in the Richard Rosenthal Hospice Residence, in the Stamford Hospital or nursing homes. Volunteers often develop close relationships with patients and families. They are empathetic listeners. Volunteers provide an important outlet for both to share their fears and concerns. Often patients will open up to volunteers while maintaining a "stiff upper lip" to family members and professional staff. We, as volunteers, offer the gift of our presence, make no judgments, listen and offer a hand to hold. It is a privilege to walk alongside patients and family members on their end-of-life journey. No person should die alone.

Hospice volunteers undergo 30 hours of training prior to working with patients and families. Office volunteers may begin work following an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Training sessions occur twice a year, one during the morning hours and one in the early evening. 3 hour classes are scheduled twice a week for 5 weeks. Following the completion of training, prospective volunteers meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss which of many roles the volunteer would like to pursue.

Adults over 21 years are encouraged to apply. No teens at this time.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Southwestern CT., Inc.

We need volunteers who are free at these times Evenings Weekends Weekdays Weekly This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+)

Contact Person: Kimberly James, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

1029 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902 (See a map)

Web Site: http://vnhcsw.org

Last updated on March 25, 2009