Hospice volunteer training offered

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Big Bend Hospice has been Jefferson County's local hospice since 1983, serving patients with advanced illness and their families through a variety of compassionate care and quality-of-life programs. Medical, social, emotional and spiritual needs are addressed by professionals, along with volunteers, who are essential partners in the care that hospice provides.
The Big Bend Hospice website states that the mission of its trained volunteers is “to provide comfort and compassion to terminally ill patients and their caregivers in the patients’ homes or in care facilities.” Some volunteers interact directly with families, while other volunteers assist by supporting the organization as a whole, by working with administrators or helping with special events.
Training is offered periodically for a variety of volunteer roles:
- A Patient/Family Volunteer may offer companionship to patients by reading together, playing fun games, discussing current events or just chatting. They may run errands, help a patient or caregiver do shopping or get to an appointment, provide caregiver respite or fix an easy meal.
- A Vigil Volunteer is invited to sit with patients and/or families during the final hours of life, to be a compassionate listener or a still and quiet presence.
- A Hospice House Volunteer greets visitors, assists staff and supports the patient/family.
- An Administrative Volunteer assists staff with their computer and office skills.
- A Valor Volunteer honor patients who served in the Armed Forces by participating in valor ceremonies or doing Vet-to-Vet visits.
- A Comfort Caller makes weekly telephone calls to engage patients and caregivers in conversation and assess their needs.
- A Spiritual Support Volunteer is a congregational leader from the community who serves patients of all denominations.
- A Bereavement Volunteer assists staff as they follow-up with family members after their loved one has died.
- A Voices of the Heart Volunteer works with patients who are documenting their memories and stories through various media.
- A Community Education Volunteer represents Big Bend Hospice at health fairs and community events.
- A Special Event Volunteer assists hospice staff with fundraising and public relations events.
There are so many ways a person can match their personal gifts with a need that Big Bend Hospice meets! Community members who wish to join the ranks of hospice volunteers serving in our area have a training opportunity coming up on Saturday, Oct. 21. The session lasts from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Big Bend Hospice Campus, located at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., in Tallahassee. The September training completely filled up, so those interested in the October training session are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. For more information, call (850) 878-5310 or visit www.bigbendhospice.org/volunteers.