When you see someone in
distress, your first impulse is to help.
When you know people are in need, you want to do
something.
The challenge is to change desire, into action.
The answer is: VOLUNTEER
What do Volunteers do?
Volunteers choose assignments that best suit their time, skills,
and interests.
- Patient/Family Support
- Bereavement Support
- Office Assistance
We are interested in investigating ways to utilize your special
skills or talents.
Do I need special skills or education?
Volunteer work at Hospice is one of the best jobs anyone can do.
It is not about where you live, how old you are, your educational
background or what you have or don't have. We provide the training
you need; you provide yourself and your time. Persons interested in
volunteering must wait at least a full year after a significant
loss in order to focus on their own healing.
Do Volunteers find the work depressing?
It is not depressing, although sometimes sad. Hospice volunteers
have jobs that are full of joy and laughter, hope and sharing. It
is work that is deeply meaningful because our gift of presence is
the greatest gift we can give to another.
What type of training is available?
A comprehensive training and personal enrichment
course is offered for all volunteers. A thirty hour course
must be completed and will provide you with the necessary
understanding and skills. The training course includes the
following subjects:
- An overview of Hospice philosophy and a brief history of
Hospice
- The volunteer's role at Hospice, confidentiality and volunteer
requirements
- The team concept and holistic approach to care
- The emotional, spiritual, and cultural issues relating to death
and dying
- Effective listening and communication skills
- How to care for yourselves while caring for others
- Coping with grief and bereavement
- And more......
Trainings are offered:
In the Spring and Fall and occasionally on weekends.
Apply to be a Hospice Volunteer
All applicants will need to complete an Volunteer Application
with reference information.
Please mail your completed application to:
Lourdes Hospice
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
4102 Old Vestal Road
Vestal, NY 13850.
For more information about the Hospice
Volunteer program contact Bettye Canestaro, Hospice Volunteer
Coordinator at 607-584-9159.
