Family Support Volunteers Needed

Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut is seeking family support volunteers. Family support volunteers provide companionship for patients and much-needed respite for caregivers. Volunteers are an integral part of Regional Hospice’s multidisciplinary team, providing practical assistance to patients and families. They help by making friendly visits, reading to patients, writing letters, running errands, being there to listen, share a quiet moment, or lend a strong shoulder for support.

Regional Hospice’s next Family Support Volunteer Training Program will take place at the agency’s Danbury office at 405 Main Street on September 8 and 9, from 9 am to 4 pm, and continuing September 11, from 9 am to noon. The curriculum will include an overview of hospice and palliative care, how to be a supportive listener, the importance of respite in healthy caregiving, and an introduction to grief and loss.

With an increasing need for hospice care in Newtown and nearby towns, there is a corresponding need for additional family support volunteers, and especially bilingual volunteers. Anyone interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Regional Hospice volunteer may contact Carolyn Wolfe, volunteer director, at 739-8315 (e-mail: Carolyn.Wolfe@danhosp.org ), or Maureen Decker, volunteer coordinator, at 739-8316 (e-mail: Maureen.Decker@danhosp.org ). An application, interview, references, and background check are required. Registration for the upcoming volunteer training will be accepted through September 1.