Arbor Hospice Announces Volunteer Training Sessions

Arbor Hospice, in Ann Arbor, is hosting a new round of training sessions this month for volunteers who are interested in bringing comfort and companionship to patients facing life-limiting illnesses, and their families. A new round of training sessions – four over a two week period – begins Tuesday, Jan. 22.

Volunteers play a key role in Arbor Hospice’s mission to provide the highest quality of comfort and support in patients’ homes within the community, as well as at The Residence of Arbor Hospice.

In keeping with health care industry guidelines, Arbor Hospice provides a total of 18 hours of training to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to assist patients, as well as provide a brief respite to caregivers. All sessions are set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Residence of Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr. in Ann Arbor on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 22 and 24 and Jan. 29 and 31.

“We offer volunteers many opportunities to play an invaluable role as part of the Arbor Hospice team,” says Gloria Brooks, president and CEO of Arbor Hospice. “Volunteering at Arbor Hospice is a deeply rewarding and unique opportunity.”

Topics covered during volunteer training include the differences between hospice and palliative care, communication, active listening, cultural differences, spirituality and grief. The sessions break down as follows:

Session 1

Volunteers are introduced to hospice care in general and its benefit to patients and families, as well as the history of Arbor Hospice, including its vision, goals, values and standards. 

Session 2

Volunteers learn about establishing a connection and communicating with patients and families. The session details the emotions patients and their families experience during the end of-life journey, along with cultural differences and how they affect health care.   

Session 3

During this session, volunteers explore spirituality as it applies to a patient’s end-of-life journey and how the Arbor Hospice Spiritual Care Team meets patient’s spiritual needs. Volunteers are also trained in end-of-life tasks and finding closure themselves when saying goodbye.  

Session 4

The final session explores common hospice diagnoses and symptoms, pain management and the volunteer’s role in pain assessment and control. Reporting and documentation requirements and varying guidelines for visiting patients in The Residence of Arbor Hospice, long term care facilities and in their homes are also explained.

For more information about Arbor Hospice’s volunteer opportunities, email aavolunteers@arborhospice.org or call 734.794.5396.