No Veteran Dies Alone Program Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center

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Job Title:

No Veteran Dies Alone Compassionate Companion/Hospice Care (Butterfly Program)

#of Vol. wanted

3

Purpose of

Assignment:

To provide the reassuring presence of a compassionate companion for Veterans who would otherwise be alone in the final hours of life.

Using Service:

Geriatrics and Extended Care

Department & Location:

Hospice program, Geriatrics and Extended Care, and other areas of the hospital where a need is identified

Site Supervisor and Phone:

(Send an email to: Vhaaugvoluntaryservice@va.gov if you are interested in this position.)

Time Requirements:

Serve on an "On Call" list to respond to a Veteran at the end of life who has no companion. May also serve as a Hospice companion.

Specific Duties:

Please continue on separate sheet if additional space is needed.

-Veteran Care: Provide companionship to veterans by listening, providing reassurance, holding the Veteran’s hand, sitting quietly and providing companionship, reading to the veteran, assisting in writing letters, playing soothing music, as they spend their last hours of life

-Personal Care: Assist with non-medical comfort care measures as directed by the Palliative Care Case Manager or nurses caring for the patient, or requested by the Veteran, such as moistening lips or fluffing pillows.

Qualifications & Training Required:

See Below

Additional Duties:-Exclusion: volunteer is not allowed to lift or transfer patients nor provide any professional medical care

-Communicate with Nursing Staff regarding any issues or concerns regarding Veterans condition

Qualifications and Training: -Must display a natural courtesy and capacity for love; displaying a personal maturity. Ability to deal with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and ages in a pleasant, caring manner. Must be at ease with the process of dying

-Must be a good listener, skilled in verbal communication and comfortable when silence is appropriate; able to communicate effectively with Veterans, and staff.

-Recognize personal human limitations and ability to maintain a balance between empathetic caring/concern and personal over-involvement.

-Understands the importance of punctuality and conscientiously carrying out assigned responsibilities. Ability to understand and accept the principles of confidentiality for staff and patients. Able to respect and honor Veteran’s wishes.