Volunteer
Hospice is about living
Hospice care enables terminally ill persons to live their remaining life to the fullest. It not only eases the physical pain and suffering but also the emotional, spiritual and personal suffering endured by the patient and family. Through hospice, comfort and dignity are maintained.
The services of hospice nurses, home-health aids, social workers, chaplains and professionally trained volunteers are provided under a plan of care directed by the physician. In addition, family members gain strength and understanding by helping to care for their loved ones with Hospice assistance.
Hospice of Gold Coast also offers support groups, individual guidance and other bereavement services to help family members after the death of a loved one.
Who are Hospice volunteers?
They are men and women who share the desire to help patients and families deal with life's greatest challenge. Their simple acts of personal caring and concern help provide the comfort and support that distinguishes hospice service.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering for Hospice is challenging but rewarding work that will have a positive impact on your life. What you do will make a difference and you will be able to help people at one of the most critical times of their lives.
The qualities of a volunteer
If you feel the following terms describe you, it's likely that you'd be an excellent volunteer.
- A good listener
- Understanding
- Emotionally stable & supportive
- Nonjudgmental
- Reliable
- Patient
- Mature
Patient and Family Care
A volunteer visits the home or in-patient facility once or twice a week to stay with the patient, allowing the caregiver the freedom to go to appointments, or simply to take a break from the 24-hour care that she or he is providing the loved one.
For a hospice patient who lives alone, the volunteer may pick up medical supplies or assist with errands. While visiting, the volunteer may read to the patient, offer spiritual support or simply be a good listener. The volunteer may do simple household tasks, i.e., fix a meal, do personal laundry or put out the garbage.
The Hospice of Gold Coast or Palliative Care Unit Volunteer serves as a companion, an attentive listener and patient's advocate.
After the death of the patient, the volunteer may provide bereavement support to the patient's family members by calling to talk, encouraging them to attend grief support meetings or by meeting them for lunch. Such contact offers the bereaved person a chance to discuss his or her feelings with someone who understands the grief process and cares about him or her.
Administrative Support
Administrative volunteers provide assistance in the hospice office, including computer entry, photocopying, filing, record keeping, assisting with mailing and answering the telephone.
Professional Support
Volunteers who are attorneys, clergymen, nurses, physicians, psychologists, speech, physical or occupational therapists, social workers, and other professionals augment hospice services and enrich the program immensely.
Special Events
Volunteers may participate at special events such as health fairs, the annual memorial service, volunteer fairs, and events to raise funds for needy patients.
Rewards for Volunteer Service
In return for the willingness to train and be of service, you can expect to be recognized as a valued member of the Hospice of Gold Coast team. You will receive appreciation from the patients and their family members for your help, friendship, and the satisfaction of helping persons in need.
To volunteer contact Merle Perkins, volunteer coordinator, at (954) 785-2990 or via email at mperkins@browardhealth.org
For more information: |
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Gold Coast Home Health and Hospice Services |
Broward: (954) 785-2990 |