HOSPICE FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Time to Help Others
The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association strives to ensure that people facing death are able to live the remaining days of their lives as fully as their illnesses will allow. One of the ways the Association seeks to accomplish this is by promoting hospice volunteerism in Putnam County.
Becoming a hospice volunteer is a rewarding experience. Hospice volunteers have a tremendous impact on the lives of the patients, caregivers, and families they serve, and many hospice volunteers discover that their service leads to a deeply meaningful experience. Hospice volunteers, particularly those who work directly with patients and families, commonly report:
Hospice volunteers play many different roles and are an integral part of every hospice organization. They can serve patients and families as part of a team of medical professionals, provide administrative support, participate in community outreach programs, or lend their professional expertise in areas needed by the hospice organization and patients. Volunteer activities are generally categorized into direct services and indirect services.
Volunteers who provide indirect services have just as important a role in a hospice organization as volunteers who work directly with patients. These volunteers assist the hospice organization in many ways.
Effective hospice volunteers recognize that their role is one of compassionate service. The presence and service of hospice volunteers is targeted towards ultimately providing patients, caregivers, and families with the most comfortable and compassionate end-of-life experience possible. Though each volunteer is unique, there are several common traits that are indicative of an effective hospice volunteer:
Most hospices organizations require volunteers to be over the age of 18 or 21, but some have volunteer programs for high school students. Indiana law requires that hospice organizations perform a national criminal background check on a potential volunteer, usually at the hospice's expense. A hospice may require volunteers to have a valid driver's license, particularly if the volunteer will be traveling to patient homes. Most hospices require newly bereaved volunteer candidates to wait for a period of time before volunteering at the bedside. In addition, volunteers will be required to complete an application form, an interview, and a training program before service can begin.
Hospice volunteers must complete a training program to prepare them for hospice work. Training will vary in length and content depending on the role the volunteer is taking. During the training, volunteers will be able to ask questions and get to know the people who work in the hospice organization. Hospice volunteers may be required to complete continuing education each year. Though each hospice organization has a unique training program, most hospice volunteer training includes information about the following:
For those interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, the first step is to connect with local hospice organizations.
Visit each hospice's website to learn more about their volunteer program. Call each hospice and speak with the volunteer coordinator. The coordinator can provide details about their specific needs to determine where your skills and interests will be a good fit. The coordinator can also provide you with specific information about the process and requirements of becoming a hospice volunteer for that organization.
Doulas For The Dying - [pdf article]
Hospice workers find peace in helping patients find comfort at end of life - [pdf article]
More Americans Are Dying At Home - [pdf article]
Patients want to be at home, but home hospice care can be tough on families - [pdf article]
Preparing for approaching death - [pdf article]
When the time comes, could you let go and die? - [pdf article]
Working with the dying patient - [pdf article]
Amazon Prime movies related to dying – list of movies - [pdf]
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande - video - [pdf instructions]
Consider the Conversation - video - [pdf instructions]