Regional Hospice Volunteers Needed

DANBURY –– Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut will hold a Family Support Volunteer Training Program beginning July 1. The organization offers extensive training to individuals who wish to become a part of its expanding hospice team.

 Family Support Volunteers work closely with hospice staff to provide care, comfort and companionship to patients and their families during this time of transition and loss.

Regional Hospice has been caring for the Danbury-area community since 1983. 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 homelike settings. The Hospice team is comprised of professionals who address medical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of the patient and family, all of which are considered of equal importance.

Regional Hospice believes that through skilled, compassionate, supportive care, patients can approach the end of life with comfort and dignity. Volunteers are integral members of the hospice team and truly are the heart of Regional Hospice.

 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. The goal is to train volunteers so they are comfortable and confident with the families they companion. In addition, guidance from the trained Hospice staff is always just a phone call away.

Training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from July 1 through July 24 (except July 3), 6 to 9 pm, at the Regional Hospice office, 405 Main Street.. Application, interview, references, and background check required. Application deadline is June 16.

For information, contact Eleanor McClellan, volunteer coordinator, 797-1685, ext 31. Adult bereavement, children’s bereavement, and administrative support volunteer opportunities are also available.

Regional Hospice has been in existence for 20 years, serving Danbury, Ridgefield, Wilton, Redding, New Milford, New Fairfield, Sherman, Bethel, Newtown, Brookfield, and Southbury. Regional Hospice is an affiliate of Danbury Health Systems.