Volunteers give from the heart....

Volunteers are special people and serve in many ways. They listen to concerns and try to help patients find their own answers to important questions. They form close bonds with patients and family members and provide extra TLC when families need it most. Volunteers keep the patient company. The volunteer's presence can be extremely comforting to the patient, even if the volunteer only sits quietly in the room. Volunteers may read to patients or suggest activities they could do together.

Volunteers provide a link to the hospice staff. They report on the needs of the patient and family. They are an important source of information for the hospice team.

Volunteers can save the family time by running errands including picking up medications and supplies or grocery shopping. Volunteers may also assist with light household chores to help take pressure off family members. They will also sit with the patient so the caregiver may use this time for a much needed break.

After the patient' s death, Volunteers continue to provide support for the family including house sitting while the family attends the funeral home or funeral, helping address thank you cards, returning dishes or assisting with disposal of the patient's personal effects.

Hospice volunteers are thoroughly trained. All Hospice of Stanly County volunteers are taught the goals and philosophy of hospice care. All patient volunteers are required to take an initial 12-hour training course and attend additional in-services throughout the year. Training sessions are taught by Hospice Staff and professionals within the community.

One thing all hospice volunteers have in common is a true desire to help.