Hospice Needs Volunteers

MERCER COUNTY - Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice is seeking compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to Mercer County hospice patients and their families. The next training opportunity will be in May 2016. The program is set up in a conference style format, comprising of 3 day-long sessions, covering hospice philosophy and other end-of-life subjects, all aimed at preparing the volunteer to serve with confidence.

Helping can come in many forms, from holding a hand to getting groceries but, mostly what is needed is for volunteers to listen with an open heart, creating a space where the patient, or patient’s family member, can express what they need to at this special time.

"Many of our volunteers feel a sense of personal fulfillment as a result of the interactions they have and the relationships they develop," said Spiro Ballas, Volunteer Coordinator, adding, "Our volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of patients and families.”

Hospice Volunteers typically visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands, or provide respite for caregivers. Also needed are Bereavement Volunteers to support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, as well as, Administrative Volunteers to assist with typing, mailings, filing and other office necessities.

An Introductory Packet is available for those wanting more details to explore the idea of becoming a Hospice Volunteer.

To request an Introductory Packet, or to sign up for the May 2016 Hospice Volunteer Training Program in Mercer Country, contact Spiro Ballas at 609-815-3573 or email SBallas@HolyRedeemer.com.