Regional Hospice Needs Volunteers

DANBURY — Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut will hold a Volunteer Training Program beginning October 3. The application deadline is September 26. The organization offers extensive training to individuals who wish to become a part of its expanding hospice team.

Family support and bereavement volunteers work closely with hospice staff to provide care and companionship to patients and their families during this time of transition and loss.  Administrative support volunteers are also needed to assist with a variety of program activities.

Regional Hospice has been caring for the Danbury-area community since a983. It offers a comprehensive team-oriented program of care that seeks to treat and comfort seriously ill patients and their families at home or in home-like settings. By caring for and being present for dying patients, hospice helps people live until they die, without fear of pain or of dying alone without dignity or control.

“Our Family Support Volunteers are really the heart of Regional Hospice,” said Volunteer Coordinator Livia Fiordelisi. “They are unique but integral members of our hospice team–they provide companionship, care and comfort to our patients and families. A volunteer visit can brighten up a long, lonely day.”

Volunteers receive training in the hospice philosophy, care and comfort of the dying, family dynamics, communication skills, patient care and safety, adult and children’s grief and bereavement, and stress management techniques. “We train our volunteers to be comfortable and confident with the families they companion,” says Ms. Fiordelisi, “We want volunteers to feel supported and know that we are only a phone call away.”

Training will take place on Wednesday evenings from October 3 through November 14, 6 pm - 9 pm, at the Regional Hospice office. Application, interview, references, and background check required. Application deadline is September 26. For information, contact Livia Fiordelisi, volunteer coordinator, 203-797-1685, ext. 31.