Provide hope against the fear of being isolated
Treat the spiritual care of an individual
Recognizing the patient's need to connect to the community
Believe in the power of one person caring for another
Befriending an individual who is dying is an act to honor itself
Provide emotional support and practical assistance to patient and family members
Give reassurance during times of stress
Help the patient and family maintain control over their lives by allowing them to do it their way.
Assist with grocery shopping or running errands
Preparing light meals
Performing light housekeeping tasks
Providing companionship for patients or family members
Staying with a patient in order to relieve the primary caregiver
Reading to or writing letters for the patient
Reminiscing - helping the patient complete an oral history or contacting a long-lost friend
Babysitting for the family's children or acting as a "big brother/big sister" for a child
Observing, reporting, acting as liaison to other Hospice team members
Bereavement care
When the patient or family request volunteer services the following steps are taken:
A plan of care is developed by the Volunteer Coordinator with input from the Patient Care Coordinator or Social Worker.
The Volunteer Coordinator matches the Volunteer to the patient and family by the following criteria:
a. Geographical location
b. Gender (if this is an issue with the patient or family
c. Time and accessibility match
d. The volunteers skill in performing the required services needed
3. The Volunteer Coordinator contacts the Volunteer to verify the willingness to accept the assignment
4. The Volunteer accepts the assignment, the plan of care is given to the Volunteer. The Volunteer signs the plan of care and arrangements are made for an initial visit.
5. The Patient Care Coordinator or Social Worker or Volunteer Coordinator introduces the Volunteer to the patient and family
6. Other appropriate staff provides any on-site instruction.
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02/20/2002