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

Interaction with a Dying Person

Interaction with 

a Dying Person

Facing Your Own Fears 

to Face Your Loved One

 From Angela Morrow, RN, former About.com Guide

The thought of dying often times evokes fear and apprehension in people. Thinking of others dying can make our own mortality seem very real. Research has shown that dying people are even ostracized from society, even avoided by close friends and family.

 In light of this, it is easy to see why many dying patients report feeling isolated and alone. This is certainly not the type of death most of us would choose. Being surrounded by friends and loved ones is how the majority of us would choose to spend our last months or days.

Why is it so Difficult?

 There are several reasons many people have a difficult time interacting with a dying person including not wanting to face the reality of their own death, not having the time to become involved, and not having the emotional reserves to deal with such an intense situation. Feelings of guilt over whether they could have done something to prevent or cure an illness, or over how their relationship with that person has been recently may also cause someone to avoid a dying person.

When someone is having a difficult time interacting with a dying person, it often manifests as avoidance of them, difficulty speaking with them, difficulty maintaining eye contact, and keeping a physical distance from them. These are likely to be perceived by the person who is dying.

Factors that may complicate an already difficult situation are whether the cause of death is viewed as socially acceptable or not (i.e. heart failure vs. AIDS), whether the death is perceived as “on-time” or not (i.e. an elderly person vs. a child), and where they die (i.e. a nursing home vs. their own home). Because everyone dies differently, the dying person may evoke more avoidance due to their level of pain or distressing symptoms and how they cope with them. Some dying people may not want to engage in full conversations but prefer brief, succinct communication. These things can increase the discomfort loved ones already feel.

Bridging 

the Gap

On one side, you have family and friends that are fearful or uncomfortable being around a dying loved one and on the other, the dying person feeling abandoned, isolated, and alone. How do we bridge that gap to bring these people together? Open communication is the easiest and best way to bridge that gap.

Let the dying person know you are feeling fearful or uncomfortable, or whatever emotion it is that you have. They’re going to figure it out anyway! It will let them know that you are taking steps to get past it and to give them what they need the most during this time.

Ask the dying person what they need or expect from you. Some dying people will want to talk very openly about their illness and their impending death. Others will want to avoid talking about it and choose to focus more on fond memories or their loved ones lives. Both are okay but knowing what it is the dying person wants to talk about during your interactions will go a long way. Some will not want to talk at all but may want you at their side to hold their hand, read them a book, or just to feel your presence.

Be honest about what you can offer. If they want you to visit daily and you can’t fit it into your schedule or don’t feel like you can handle that much emotional strain, let them know. Tell them what they can expect from you like, “Bob, I understand that you want me to visit you every day. I want to visit you as much as I can but every day may not be possible. I will be sure to visit you every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday and if I can fit any extra days in, I will do it.” The important thing is to not make a promise that can’t keep.

Also, be honest about what you feel comfortable talking about. Just because the dying person wants to be open and frank about what is happening to them, you may not feel comfortable discussing every detail. Let them know if this is the case. Once everyone’s needs and expectations are in the open, the process of compromise can begin. 

Finding a place where everyone is comfortable and getting their needs met will help make interacting with the dying person a special experience that you can treasure.

http://dying.about.com/od/thedyingprocess/a/interacting.htm