Kauai Hospice volunteer training scheduled

LIHUE — Kauai Hospice will be holding a three-day training course in early October for those who are interested in providing emotional, physical, and spiritual comfort to patients in private homes and nursing facilities, and assistance for their families.

The most important requirement for volunteering is a willingness to help. “Our caring volunteers help enhance the patient’s quality of life and alleviate some of the stress of family caregiving,” said Rayne Regush, volunteer coordinator. “Volunteers provide companionship, grief support and respite, which allows caregivers some time away from the daily demands of patient care.

The 20-hour training will be held over two weekends on Oct. 6, 7, and 13. The coursework includes the history and philosophy of hospice; the role of the volunteer; effective listening skills; family dynamics; confidentiality; death awareness exercises; spiritual and cultural diversity; grieving and bereavement; universal precautions; and an understanding of palliative care services. Presenters will include Kauai Hospice social worker, patient care coordinator, spiritual care and bereavement counselors.

Pre-training interviews are required along with a completed volunteer application form which is available at www.kauaihospice.org. Participants must be able to attend all three days.

“The caring spirit of our volunteers help contribute to fulfilling the mission of Kauai Hospice and ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness,” says Regush.

The training is free and will be at the Kauai Hospice Center for Compassion, 4457 Pahee Street.

For more information about Kauai Hospice or to schedule a pre-training interview for the Volunteer Training, contact Rayne Regush, volunteer coordinator at 245-7277.