Hospice to begin volunteer training program

Hospice to begin volunteer training program

June 2, 2001

Hospice of Montezuma has announced the schedule for a summer training program for volunteers. This summer training is being offered in addition to the spring and fall trainings, due to an increased need for volunteers to serve in patient care. Community volunteers play a vital role in the work of Hospice of Montezuma and many people find the work especially rewarding.

The training program will be conducted at the Hospice of Montezuma offices, located at 1108 N. Mildred (upstairs) in Cortez. The four sessions will be held Monday, June 18, through Thursday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Some of the topics to be covered include: Communication Skills, Understanding the Disease Process, Care and Comfort Measures, Concepts of Death and Dying, Grief and Bereavement, and Stress Management.

A number of experienced local health-care professions will be presenting at this training program for Hospice of Montezuma, which, unlike other community agencies, must require volunteers to be trained before working directly with those who receive services. Nationally, about 100,000 concerned Americans serve as hospice volunteers and each year they give over five million hours of their precious time to serve terminally ill patients and their families.

Persons interested in volunteering and receiving the free training must be 18 or older, be in good health, and have access to their own transportation. Volunteers should possess patience, a genuine desire to help others, and a willingness to experience mental, emotional, and spiritual growth.

No task is too big or too small for hospice volunteers, but often the most important thing they do is just "be there" for patients to reassure them that they are not alone, to hold a hand to offer a smile, or to just listen. It is not easy work, but the personal rewards are enormous. The strength and courage of patients provides a constant source of inspiration, and volunteers usually feel that they gain more than they have been able to give.

If you would like to learn more about how you can become involved in hospice volunteering, please call Angela Higley or Michelle Morea at Hospice of Montezuma, at 565-4400, or stop by the office.