Comforting Hands Hospice | 918-331-0003
1366 SE Washington Blvd., Suite A, Bartlesville, OK. 74006 | 918-331-9556
1366 SE Washington Blvd., Suite A, Bartlesville, OK. 74006 | 918-331-9556
Why does someone become a hospice volunteer?
Many of our volunteers come to us because they and their family have personally benefited from hospice care. They are so grateful for the help they received during a difficult time that they want to give back to the community and help other families who are dealing with serious illness. Other volunteers have heard about the great work of hospice and are curious about how they might use their gifts and talents to help others in the context of hospice.
What are the requirements for becoming a hospice volunteer?
If you have an open heart and would like to help people who are dealing with serious illness, this is the place for you. Compassion, commitment and caring are all words that describe a hospice volunteer. You don't need any special training before coming to us, we'll provide the training and the support as you do the work.
What must I do to be accepted for training as a hospice volunteer?
Once you have turned in a completed application and two letters of reference, we will call you to schedule an interview to learn more about you. We will want to know about your personal history and especially about your own history of loss. We want to make sure you have taken the time you need to take care of yourself before you commit to helping others in their time of need. If the program seems like a good fit for you, we will invite you to take the training. The entire course consists of about 16 hours of classes, discussions and hands on experiences. These are all meant to prepare you for the challenges you may face as a hospice volunteer.
What will I be asked to do as a hospice volunteer?
There is no exact job description for a hospice volunteer because each patient and family is unique. One hospice volunteer may spend time watching the Red Sox game or playing cards with the patient and family. Another volunteer may help with transportation to appointments or to the supermarket. A volunteer may take a patient for a ride or provide respite care while family members take a break. Some volunteers may write letters for the patient or read aloud. There are times when volunteers are asked to help write an obituary or plan a funeral. Think of it this way, we tell patients that a volunteer is a friend they just haven't met yet. Volunteers often become a part of the family and help out with whatever is needed.
What kind of a commitment is required of a hospice volunteer?
We ask that you make yourself available to your patient for up to four hours a week. Of course, there may be weeks when that is not possible for you or weeks when your patient doesn't really need your help. You may make one visit or several visits depending on the needs of your patient. The relationship you develop with your patient and his or her family is something that grows and changes over time. We also ask you to document the time you spend with your patient. In addition, you will be asked to complete at least eight hours of continuing education each year to maintain your certification as a hospice volunteer. There are many different ways to fulfill this responsibility and have fun in the process.
What happens when my patient dies?
If you have a very good relationship with the family, you and the family may choose to continue with each other through the grieving process. Some families may simply want to move on and don't feel like they need the continued help of their volunteer. Each patient is unique. Each family is unique. Once your patient dies, we will ask you to take the time you need to take care of yourself before taking on another patient.
What kind of support can I expect from the Comforting Hands Hospice staff?
The staff has worked with you during your training. We know you and we are there for you whenever you have a question or need help. You can call us on the phone or come into the office to talk about your experiences as a hospice volunteer. We will work hard to answer your questions and to do whatever we can to make your volunteer experience rewarding and fulfilling. As a hospice volunteer, you are joining a marvelous group of caring individuals who are united in their desire to make a difference in the world. You are not alone in your work. If you allow it, you will be touched by the experiences of your fellow volunteers. And together, we will make the world a better place.
