To learn more about volunteer opportunities and upcoming trainings, call 206-320-4000 or 888-782-4445 (toll-free) and ask for Volunteer Services. Patient Care volunteers Providence Hospice of Seattle provides a wide spectrum of services to adults and children with life-limiting illnesses, helping to ensure that each patient’s last days are filled with as much physical, psychological, and spiritual comfort as possible. Patient Care volunteers are highly valued members of the hospice care team. Each Patient Care volunteer is trained to serve as a listening and caring presence for patients and their caregivers. Depending on the needs of the patient and/or family members, Patient Care volunteers may provide companionship, transportation for errands or medical appointments, or respite for the caregiver. They may also perform light household tasks, such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. After attending an orientation and completing our hospice volunteer training program, the Patient Care volunteer is assigned to a patient and provides support in the patient’s home, nursing facility, adult family home, or other residence. Stepping Stones (pediatric hospice/palliative care) volunteers Stepping Stones volunteers provide compassionate support to Providence Hospice of Seattle's pediatric hospice/palliative care patients and their families. Stepping Stones patients range in age from infants to young adults. Stepping Stones volunteers must complete our Patient Care volunteer training, as well as a specialized training for working with pediatric patients. Administrative/Program Support volunteers Administrative/Program Support volunteers perform the administrative tasks necessary to support hospice office operations. These tasks may include: filing, copying, word processing, collating, data entry, putting together mailings, and making phone calls, as well as working on special projects. On-the-job training and support is provided at the hospice office. Administrative/Program Support volunteers do not need to complete hospice volunteer training. Complementary Therapy volunteers Complementary Therapy volunteers are professionals who provide massage, music therapy, Reiki, hypnotherapy, therapeutic touch, acupuncture, and other approved services for hospice patients with the goals of increasing patients’ comfort and sense of well-being. These services are provided in the patient’s residence. Complementary Therapy volunteers must complete an application, interview with Volunteer Services staff, and attend volunteer training. In addition, Complementary Therapy volunteers must be licensed and/or certified by the State of Washington. Animal-assisted activities/therapy volunteers Animal-assisted activities/therapy (AAA/T) volunteer teams (handlers and their dogs) visit patients and families in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, and private residences. AAA/T visits are intended to encourage emotional connection, alleviate stress and feelings of isolation, and promote self-esteem. While the primary focus of each visit is on the interaction of the dog with the patient and/or family members, volunteer AAA/T handlers are also trained to provide a compassionate presence and emotional support as needed. Learn more about volunteering with your dog as an AAA/T team... Transitions volunteers The Transitions program is designed to support clients who have a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of one year or less, but who may not yet be ready for hospice services. Like Patient Care volunteers, Transitions volunteers may provide companionship, transportation, and respite, as well as run errands and perform light household tasks. Transitions volunteers are required to complete the same hospice volunteer training as Patient Care volunteers. Grief Support Services volunteers Volunteers who have had at least six months of experience as a Patient Care volunteer may become Grief Support volunteers when support is needed in this program. Additional training for these volunteers will be provided on a case-by-case basis. The Bereavement Program provides support to family members who have experienced the death of a loved one. Bereavement volunteers provide regular contact with clients through telephone calls, home visits, and/or social outings. Bereavement volunteers may also be trained to help facilitate grief support groups. Safe Crossings volunteers provide age-appropriate services to children who are facing the death of a close family member. Services are provided to the child while a family member is dying, with additional services for a year following the family member’s death. Safe Crossings volunteers help to re-establish normal routines for grieving children through companionship, talking, playing, and so on. Camp Erin Volunteers Camp Erin is an annual weekend camp for children and teenagers in King County who've lost a loved one. Camp Erin volunteers provide support to kids at camp, serving as Big Buddies or helping to plan and organize camp activities. Learn more about volunteering at Camp Erin...
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