LIHUE — A training course will be offered next month for those interested in becoming Kauai Hospice volunteers. The most important requirement for hospice volunteering is a willingness to help.
Volunteers provide comfort and support to the dying and their family members in both private homes and nursing facilities. They offer companionship, grief support, and respite, which allows caregivers to take a break, run errands, nap, or rejuvenate from the challenges of ongoing patient care.
The three-day training workshop is held over two weekends on March 10, 11 and 17. The volunteer application form is available at kauaihospice.org or by calling 245-7277. A pre-training interview is also required. Participants must attend all three sessions of this 20-hour training course.
“The emotional, physical, and spiritual support that volunteers provide, contributes to the patient’s quality of life and can ease the stress of the patient caregiver,” said Rayne Regush, volunteer coordinator. “We deeply appreciate our volunteers, who all have a desire for helping others and have the time and willingness to make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.”
Training topics will include the philosophy of hospice and end of life care; effective listening skills, death awareness exercises; sensitivity to spiritual/cultural diversity; grief and loss; confidentiality; universal precautions; and other subject matter.
Additional volunteer requirements include background checks, tuberculosis skin test screening, and a valid driver’s license and liability insurance if the volunteer is driving to their assignment.
The mission of Kauai Hospice is to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness; to provide bereavement support to individuals, and to promote an understanding of Hospice and Palliative Care services.
The training is free and will take place at the Kauai Hospice Center for Compassion, 4457 Pahe‘e Street.
Info: Rayne Regush, 245-8501
