Patient
Care Volunteers are carefully screened and participate in an
in-depth
training program which is offered twice yearly. They must be over 21
years
of age and not have lost a loved one through death within the past
year.
The training program consists of 36 hours of lecture, discussion and
experiential
exercises over the course of a month, and includes such topics as the
philosophy
and history of Hospice; physical care of the patient; signs of
approaching
death; mental/emotional aspects of terminal illness; communication;
cross-cultural
interactions; spirituality; bereavement; and self-care. All volunteers
must complete a post training interview and commit to a year of work
with
patients/families. Active volunteers are required to participate in a
monthly
care conference during which they have the opportunity to share
experiences
and learn from other volunteers.
More than 150 Patient Care Volunteers have been trained here in Fairbanks. These remarkable people represent a broad cross-section of the community with diversity in education, occupation, age and ethnic background, and are truly the “Heart of Hospice.”
Anyone interested in
training
to become a Patient Care Volunteer or a Bereavement Volunteer should
call
the Hospice Office at (907) 474-0311, or send an e-mail to the
attention
of Lynn Slusher or Sally Fenno.
Volunteers
There are many areas
in
which volunteers are needed in order for Hospice to meet its ever
increasing
demands. In addition to Patient Care, volunteers are needed to provide
coverage in the Hospice information booth during Health Fair, Senior
Citizens
Day, and other similar events; help with donations of refreshments for
training and bereavement sessions; administrative help; snow removal;
moving
furniture; driving; cleaning; and in any other way where assistance can
be rendered to the terminally ill and their families. If you are
interested
in volunteer work with Hospice, please call 474-0311 or e-mail the
Volunteer Coordinator at vchospice@acsalaska.net.
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