NORWICH – Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County is currently seeking eight to ten people for its patient/family volunteer program, a unique opportunity to receive in-depth training on end-of-life care, according to volunteer coordinator Kendall Drexler.
Following an extremely successful recruiting season for administrative volunteers in late January, Drexler said she hopes to have the same kind of community response for the organization’s patient/family program. That’s typically not the case, however, as many potential volunteers have misconceptions when it comes to a volunteer’s responsibilities with Hospice.
“We really work with people to explore their feelings on death and help them process that experience before they enter a home to administer care,” said Drexler. “It’s important for them to know that volunteers do not administer medication or personal care, which is something we discourage. If anything unexpected were to crop up, a Hospice nurse or pre-determined family member or family friend would be available.”
According to Hospice of Chenango Development and Community Relations Coordinator Donna Wood-Craig, it’s all about de-mystifying the issue of death and dying.
“Everybody has a fear of the unknown, yet it’s one thing we all have in common, it’s something we’re all going to go through,” said Wood-Craig.
As far as the responsibilities of a patient/family volunteer, they’re primarily driven by a family’s needs, requests or wants, said Drexler, running errands and providing friendly visits and respite care.
“Providing a comforting presence for a lonely patient and keeping an eye on the situation when a patient would otherwise be alone is a giant relief to a family, knowing that volunteer is around,” added Drexler.
In addition, some volunteers have special individual skills, such as hairdressing, massage therapy or musical talent, which can be utilized as well during patient care. And there’s always a need for male volunteers, reported Drexler, as many male patients specifically request them.
A patient/family volunteer for a little over a year now, Mary King said her time with Hospice has been a great experience, and while it can be a little scary at first – entering a complete stranger’s house – once you get settled and comfortable, it’s a great feeling.
“You’re helping other people and their families get through a hard time and they’re always very grateful,” said King. “This is a great program and if people out there are at all interested they should feel free to call and ask questions. It’s something I’m very glad I got involved with.”
Drexler added that, while it can be a tough volunteer position, it’s also a rewarding one.
“It’s all about providing companionship and support for the patient and their family, just being there for them throughout the experience,” she added.
Training for the patient/family volunteer program will begin in late April and consists of seven three-and-a-half hour sessions, to be held at Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St. For more information or to set up an interview call 334-3556 or visit www.hospicechenango.org.