Hospice Volunteer

Hospice Training is both a community service to teach about death and dying and to train volunteers. Volunteers must be trained according to national guidelines. Wilkes Regional Medical Center has adopted a standard of 18 hours of training for potential volunteers. Volunteer Training is held two times each year. The location of training varies with each course.

The mission of Hospice is to provide comfort and care to individuals with six months or less to live. Hospice care is a holistic approach to caring for families facing loss. Hospice doesn't admit only patients. Hospice admits families. Registered Nurses, Social Workers, Bereavement Counselors, Chaplains and of course, Volunteers complete the circle of care. A Hospice physician and pharmacist also evaluate the patient's care and needs. Nurses make weekly visits and are on call 24 hours, seven days a week. Social Workers meet with the patients and their family to address non-medical needs, interact with caregivers and ensure the family needs are met. Chaplains are available for spiritual support regardless of faith. A bereavement counselor supports families in preparing for death and in their grieving after the patient dies.

Volunteers serve a vital role in the circle of care. Spending time with a patient helps gather valuable information about the patient and family. Volunteers are the eyes and ears of Hospice.

What Volunteers Do

Visit patients and provide caregiver relief

Household repairs or maintenance

Various yard work

Provide emotional support for the patient and family

Provide spiritual support for the patient and family

Office work, phone calls, etc.

Deliver holiday meals and treats

Annual fundraiser support

Training Topics

Introduction to Hospice-An overall look at Hospice philosophy, programs and structure

Care/Comfort Measures-Explanation of diseases frequently seen in Hospice, and the care and comfort measures provided

Communicating-An important look at what to say and what not to say to a patient or grieving family

Infection Control-Precautions that should be used during patient care. Time for a required TB test is provided

Patient Rights and Ethics-Discussion of patient's legal and ethical rights to privacy, safety and care

HIPAA-The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is explained

Legal Issues-The importance of Advanced Directives and the law in North Carolina

Spiritual Care-A chaplain offers a look at the spiritual care offered by Hospice

Death and Dying-A look into the aspects of death and the dying process

Grief and Loss-How grief and loss affect those left behind, with special emphasis on children and grief.

If you would like to sign up for
Hospice Volunteer Training
please download and print the
Hospice Volunteer Form
and mail the completed form to:
Volunteer Coordinator
1907 West Park Drive
N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659
You may also call for more information: 336-903-7700