HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS - A VITAL PART OF CARING FOR THOSE WHO ARE DYING

What is Hospice?  

"At some time, in some way, we must all face the end of life, and most of us share a common hope that when death comes to us, or to a loved one, it will be peaceful.  We hope to be surrounded by those we love, feeling safe, comfortable and cared for.  When our life has ended, we hope that our loved ones, who are left behind, will be comforted and supported through their grief."  Living Lessons

Hospice volunteers come with a wide range of life experiences and skills that enable them to offer practical assistance and supportive care to meet the special needs arising out of the physical, emotional, spiritual, social and economic stresses experienced during the final stages of living, and during caregiving and bereavement.

Hospice volunteers work as part of the Hospice Pallative Care Team (consisting of the patient, their family and friends, healthcare professionals and volunteers) to ensure the needs and choices of those dealing with end-of-life issues are sensitively met.

Volunteers who have completed the training program are eligible to work with clients and their families providing compassionate care and support in the community in a variety of settings.  

They may work as:

• A home visiting volunteer providing support and respite for the terminally ill, their families, and caregivers.
• A volunteers on the Pallative Care Unit
• A bereavement support volunteer working in formal and informal group programs.

Individuals, who wish to contribute on a volunteer basis without taking the training program provided may become "Friends of Hospice" and participate in non-client related activities such as:

• Board Membership
• Fundraising Activities
• Office & House Support
• Thrift Shop

Hospice is not only a place -- it is a philosophy of care.  We believe that life is a precious and fragile journey of growth and development and that, although death may be a time of sadness and separations, dying is a part of life's journey that can be embraced with dignity, serenity and hope.

Volunteer Training

Hospice volunteer training is experimental in nature and active participation in the group process is necessary.  Facilitators provide a safe environment for participants to share an are available for debriefing after and between training sessions.

Training includes:
                             Communication Skills
                                 Comforting Skills
                       Community Pallative Care Team
                             Issues of Death & Dying
                            Dealing with Grief & Loss
                                 Pallative Care Unit 
                                    Care of Self
                                  Care of Spirit

Following 40 hours of training, volunteers receive orientation and work with patients and families on the Pallative Care Unit with support of an experienced hospice volunteer.  

The generosity of our community enables us to offer our pallative and bereavement programs at NO COST to the participants.

Information taken from Volunteer Training Program Nanaimo Community Hospice Society  brochure --- More inforamtion at www.nanaimohospice.com or contact them via email

info@nanaimohospice.com