Do yourself a favor ... by becoming a Hospice volunteer

NORWICH – Studies have shown time and again that individuals who feel that they have a purpose in life, and make a positive difference in the life of others, often live longer, happier lives. One agency in Chenango County promises that you can make a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families. That agency is Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County. Trained volunteers are assigned cases near their hometown, making regular visits to the home of their patient. They become friendly with the whole family, and donate time to sit with a patient when the caregiver needs to be away for a short time. They may also sit and visit, run errands or drive a patient to a Doctor’s appointment. “We interview every new patient and family and ask how a volunteer can be of help,” says Judie Wright, Hospice’s Volunteer Coordinator. “In a sense, I’m a professional matchmaker, matching personalities, location, and interests, so that everyone benefits from our volunteer service.”

Extensive training in the psycho-social, emotional, and physical aspects of death and dying is given to potential hospice volunteers over twenty-seven hours. The next training session will begin on Aug. 26 and take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings for three hours, and on one Saturday. Guest lecturers are an important part of training and include the agency’s Executive Director, Patient and Family Coordinator, Social Worker, and Bereavement Coordinator, as well as outside specialists. “We’ve even taken field trips to hospitals, and funeral homes, to help our volunteers gain empathy with issues that patients and families face near the end of life, and following the death of a loved one.