LIHU‘E — A three-day training course will be offered in March for those interested in providing comfort and support to hospice patients both in private homes and nursing facilities, and assistance for their families.
“Kaua‘i Hospice volunteers help contribute to our mission to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness,” says Rayne Regush, volunteer coordinator.
The training is held over two weekends, on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15, and Saturday, March 21. Pre-training interviews are required, and participants must attend all three sessions of this 20-hour training course.
Volunteers offer support in many ways, including companionship and providing respite for the patient caregiver, to help ease the challenges of ongoing patient care, she said.
“The most important requirement for hospice volunteering is a willingness to help, and we deeply appreciate our volunteers who have the time and desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones,” said Regush.
Training topics include the philosophy of hospice and end of life care, an understanding of palliative care services, effective listening skills, death-awareness exercises, sensitivity to spiritual and cultural diversity, grief and loss, confidentiality, universal precautions and more.
Volunteer application forms are available at kauaihospice.org or contact Regush at 245-7277 for more information. The training is free of charge and will take place at the Kaua‘i Hospice Center for Compassion at 4457 Pahe‘e Street, Lihu‘e.
