Organizer with Central Coast Hospice are asking community members to put their extra time to good use by completing hospice volunteer training.
They say once we get to the other side of the current Covid-19 restrictions, the vulnerable elderly population will need assistance more than ever.
Across the Central Coast community volunteers are critically needed to provide in-home companionship and respite care to hospice patients in San Luis Obispo County, the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Barbara.
Volunteers provide supervision to patients while their family caregivers take a break or run errands, assist with light household tasks, provide emotional support and socialization, and help with miscellaneous, yet important tasks-like organizing family photos or helping the patient write letters to their loved ones.
No prior experience is necessary. Potential volunteers just have to have an interest in helping others, a caring nature, and able to participate in a training program prior to beginning their volunteer experience.
All training is being done from home. There is no charge for the class and hospice will provide all training materials. Pre-registration and interview are required.
The training will include topics as: the history of hospice, its philosophy and mission, how hospice addresses the needs of the patient and family, the role of various hospice clinician team members, family dynamics and communication skills, dementia, grief and loss, and the role of the volunteer.
Community members are asked to call or e-mail for more information or to apply for the program.
You can reach Central Coast Hospice at (805) 540-6020 and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator. Or you can e-mail them at info@cchh08.com.
