NORWICH – Do you want to put a couple of hours a week to good use; why not consider taking the Hospice Volunteer Training? It is an in-depth twenty four hour course on death and dying focusing on the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of terminal illness. Often people enter the class unsure whether they are suited for this type of volunteerism, however Kendall Drexler the agency’s Volunteer Coordinator says that is alright. “This training course will give you insight into yourself and answer any questions you may have about your ability to do the job. People often surprise themselves after they get started and become inspired to help our patients and their families.”
Volunteer training will be held at the Hospice of Chenango County office at 21 Hayes Street in Norwich each Monday and Wednesday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., from April 30 to May 23. Hospice encourages men to sign up for training because half their patients are men who are often more comfortable with a same sex volunteer. “Currently we have six wonderful men who give their time and companionship to our patients,” says Drexler. “We would love to double that number. There is also a particular need for volunteers in Sherburne, Earlville, Plymouth and New Berlin, although residents of any town in Chenango County are encouraged to sign up.”
Volunteers are an important part of the Hospice Team that includes RNs, LPNs, Social Workers, Bereavement and Spiritual Counselors. Drexler’s skill matches patients with volunteers based on location, need, and availability. It should also be noted that Patient/Family Volunteers always have the option to accept or pass on a proposed assignment. “We have a number of snowbirds who fly south for the winter,” explains Drexler. “And they pick right up where they left off on their return, so don’t let the fact that you travel deter you from enrolling in the training.”
If you would like more information, contact Drexler by April 25 for a pre-training interview. You can reach her by calling the Hospice office at 334-3556 or send an email to kdrexler@hospicechenango.org.
Hospice is a nonprofit health care agency that specializes in symptom control and pain management at the end of a person’s life. Physical, emotional, spiritual and volunteer care is provided to any in Chenango County who have a limiting illness. Referrals can be made by a family member or health care provider. For more information visit the agency’s website at www.hospicechenango.org.