Hospice volunteer training to start

Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (RAVNAH) is providing training for those interested in becoming hospice volunteers beginning on Thursday, Oct. 20 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.. The four-week session runs every Thursday and Saturday through Nov. 12.
The training course will be held at RAVNAH, 7 Albert Cree Drive in Rutland. Pre-registration is required. Once training is complete, assignments and schedules are tailored to the volunteer’s geographic and time commitment preferences. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and need to pass a background check. No previous hospice and health care experience is required.
Hospice volunteers provide comfort and support to patients facing terminal illness, as well as respite and support to their families. Volunteer training covers the basic principles of hospice, understanding the special needs of patients and their families, effective communication, patient care, pain and symptom management, spiritual care giving, and understanding grief and loss. Volunteers are trained in listening skills, family dynamics and in using appropriate words to comfort patients and their loved ones at the end of life.
After completing the class, volunteers can provide respite for caregivers, offer companionship for the patient, run errands and help families and patients in many meaningful ways. Community members are encouraged to join the RAVNAH’s supportive and rewarding Hospice volunteer program where they can contribute their unique interests, skills, and talents.
For more information or to enroll call John Campbell at 802-770-1683 or email jcampbell@ravnah.org.