There is no time like the present to add life to each day of a hospice patient. That is exactly what hospice volunteers do. They provide companionship and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones. They share stories, write letters, provide a listening ear, and more–all because they care. A hospice volunteer fills many roles through direct patient care, serving on the baking brigade, or assisting with a variety of special events or office duties
Hospice of the Rock River Valley (HRRV), a United Way Agency, is challenging individuals to put caring into action. HRRV begins its spring volunteer training session Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Classes will meet on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until noon, for six weeks. Classes will take place at the hospice office located at 2600 N. Locust Street, Sterling, IL.
Trainings will focus on direct patient care volunteering. Direct care volunteers are assigned a patient and family and visit as needed. There is an increasing need for bi-lingual volunteers as well. Training covers a wide range of information including patient-family dynamics, personal death awareness, grief, bereavement, spirituality and documentation.
“Being a hospice volunteer has helped me to cherish the beauty of life until its very end here on earth. There is no better feeling than to be able to comfort those in need and to help make someone’s (and their family’s) last days the best possible,” said Regina Egan, a HRRV volunteer.
To make a difference in someone’s life, become a hospice volunteer in your community by calling Becky Highbarger at 815-625-3858.
HRRV serves Bureau, Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties.