VNS of Connecticut Sets Training for Hospice Volunteers

Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, which provides home care and hospice services for residents of Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties, is sponsoring orientation classes next month for those interested in becoming a hospice volunteer at one of the agency’s branch offices, including its Oxford location at 84 Oxford Road.   VNS’ Hospice at Home™ program provides end-of-life care for patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses and their family members. The program makes it possible for patients to spend their final months, weeks or days in familiar surroundings, comforted by loved ones and supported by a team of experienced VNS health care professionals. The hospice volunteers are an essential part of the program, performing a variety of duties including assisting patients and families with visits, making telephone calls or running errands. Surviving family members are encouraged to wait a minimum of one year after the death of a loved one before becoming a hospice volunteer.

The volunteer orientation classes will begin September 25 and continue on six consecutive Thursdays from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at VNS’ Torrington offices at 65 Commercial Boulevard. Volunteers would then work out of the VNS Trumbull, Oxford or Torrington office closest to their hometown. There is no charge for this training program. For more information, contact Dale Janoski at 203.330.5435.