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Hospice Southwest Volunteers
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PeaceHealth Hospice Southwest provides comfort and support to people who are dying, and to their loved ones. There are many volunteer opportunities to provide hours of meaningful service with families and staff, and in bereavement services. The question is, “What do you want to do for Hospice?” As a program, we try to match your interests with the people we serve. All prospective volunteers must complete a phone interview, application, three background checks, reference checks, and 15-18 hour training. Trainings are scheduled throughout the year.
At Hospice Southwest, volunteers serve and are needed in the following areas:
Hospice Patient Support
In-Home Respite:
- Volunteers relieve the caregiver 3-4 hours, 1x/week, so they may run errands, shop, go to an appointment, etc. Tasks may include but are not limited to ambulating, toileting, light housekeeping, meal preparation, reading, playing cards or games, running errands, etc. Volunteers provide a calming presence, lending safety, support and security for patients.
- Heart Connections: Volunteers support patients similarly to in-home respite except, they also have the opportunity to take patients to appointments. To be a part of this special program, one must have a working vehicle, driver’s license, car insurance, and CPR certification (certification may be obtained through PHSW CPR training upon completion of Hospice training). We will also obtain a Driver’s Abstract from the DMV. This program began on Valentine’s Day, 2013.
- “We Honor Veterans”: Volunteers support patients that have served in honor for our country. This program, started Memorial Day 2013, is intended to provide volunteers that will identify and assist with meeting the unique needs of this population. In addition, we are looking for creative volunteers that would be able to plan and participate in honoring these veterans on special holidays and celebrations. We strongly encourage veterans to apply as a volunteer. "We Honor Veterans" web site.
- North Territory: Volunteers are needed for in-home respite in Cowlitz County (Longview, Woodland, Kelso, etc.). This new program is now recruiting volunteers that are able to serve in these local communities.
Ray Hickey Hospice House (RHHH):
- Patient Care Volunteers: Volunteers supplement the CNA’s and RN’s, 4 hour shift/1x weekly, to provide support for patients and their families. Duties include: Providing comfort tasks such as standby assist with commode or bathing, preparing a meal, taking patients on walks within the RHHH and/or internal garden, reading, writing letters, friendly visits, cleaning the kitchen, laundry, etc. Volunteers must obtain Food Handler’s card.
- Reception Desk Volunteers: Volunteers answer phones, take messages, greet and direct visitors, and other tasks as needed. This is a 1x weekly, 3-4 hour shift with the opportunity to also be on-call.
Patient Care Calls:
- Volunteers call patients weekly to provide support when other care giving team members are not visiting that day.
Hospice Office Support
- Volunteers assemble notebooks, file, assist with data entry and monthly mailings, and participate with other department specific projects.
Bereavement Support
Stepping Stones: Volunteers attend a specific training to co-facilitate a children’s group that works with families after a death of a loved one. These groups are scheduled two evenings a month and require a one-year commitment. Trainings are offered as needed throughout the year.
Bereavement Phone Support: Volunteers provide active listening and supportive skills to families and/or friends following the death of a loved one. These calls are made at two and six months after the death.
For information regarding volunteer opportunities we encourage you to call:
Cindy Cook, Volunteer Coordinator Associate @ (360)696-5384 OR
(360)696-5100 and ask for Cindy Cook or Carol Thompson |
We welcome your call! |
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