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Volunteering at SoundHomeCare and Hospice

 

Volunteer Opportunities
The following are volunteer opportunities we have available at our facility:

  • Hospice Care        
  • Bereavement/SoundCare Kids        
  • Speakers Bureau        
  • Fundraisers        
  • Clinical/Clerical Office Support

Volunteer Training: Hospice
A 30-hour training program is provided twice a year for volunteers specifically interested in hospice care as provided by the National Hospice Organization. The Hospice team, medical director and other outside professionals facilitate the training. All volunteers who wish to participate in the bereavement program with adults and children, speakers bureau or assist with fund raising are required to complete the hospice patient care training as a prerequisite.

Topics include:

1. Overview of the Agency
2. History and Philosphy of the Hospice Movement
3. The Volunteer Rule in Care and Comfort
4. Psychological and Social Aspects of Death and Dying
5. The Role of the Social Worker
6. Professional Boundaries of the Volunteer
7. Communication Skills
8. The Role of the Medical Director
9. Admission Criteria
10. Levels of Care
11. Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Death
12. Physical Skills Assessment
13. HIV/AIDS -- Infectious Control
14. Responsible Record Keeping
15. Volunteer Policies and Procedures
16. Funeral Practices and Procedures
17. Spiritual Needs of the Dying
18. Children's Grief, Personal Losses

Agency Support Services Volunteer Training
Volunteers interested in working within the agency doing clerical or administrative support will complete the agency orientation program and will be oriented to specific tasks.

Continuing Education Training
All agency volunteers are required to participate in two in-services throughout the calendar year. Continuing education is held quarterly. Topics to be announced. Educational classes may also be reviewed during the hospice volunteer training sessions. Mandatory classes are HIV/AIDS and Patient Care Skills Lab. The Patient Care Skills Lab is reviewed annually. For registration information, call (360) 493-4689.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the minimum age to volunteer with SoundHomeCare and Hospice?
You must be at least 18 years of age.

2. How much of a commitment do I have to make?
You must make at least a six-month commitment.

3. How many hours am I committed to per week?
Hospice volunteers assigned to a patient will work at least 3 hours a week or as needed by the family. Support services volunteers will work at least 3 hours a week or as required for the completion of assigned projects.

4. Can I volunteer as a hospice volunteer if someone close to me has died?
We ask that you wait a year before volunteering. However, you may participate in the classes and the bereavement support group.

5. What is the focus of hospice volunteer training?
A better understanding of: 

  • death, dying, grief and loss issues
  • the hospice philosophy
  • the medical management of the care of the terminally ill patient
  • the psychological and social issues families deal with in the care of their dying loved one.

How to Contact Us
Call
(360) 493-4689