Our number one goal at Heartland Hospice is to ensure that no one dies alone. A hospice Vigil Volunteer is one of Heartland's most special and fulfilling opportunities. Vigil Volunteers sit bedside with patients who are in their last hours of life. Support may involve prayer (reading from the Bible or other material that is comforting for patient), providing respite to family (allowing them to step away and eat a meal/take a break), or simply being present...providing comfort and peace of mind to all that the patient is not alone. Our Vigil Volunteer program is more of an "on-call" opportunity; vigil support is based upon request of patient's family or caregiving team. Scheduling of vigil takes into consideration the volunteer's location, comfort level, and availability. Applicants must attend an orientation to learn about the philosophy of hospice, the role of a Vigil Volunteer, and skills related to caring for and communicating with hospice patients and their families. Emphasis is on providing comfort during the dying process. Requirements for Vigil Volunteers: 18 years of age or older, must agree to background and reference check, must be appropriately coping with any personal losses, must have impeccable communication skills and sound judgment regarding issues of death and dying, and have the ability to work independently with indirect supervision. Characteristics that Heartland is looking for in a Vigil Volunteer include: a positive outlook on life, flexibility, empathy, sensitivity to issues around death and dying, compassion, a willingness to help others, and the ability to work as a member of the hospice team. Reliable transportation is a must! Heartland Hospice provides service to patients either in their own homes or in nursing/assisted-living facilities throughout Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin. If you live in Janesville, or a surrounding community, and would like to provide support to hospice patients during their greatest hour of need, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Janine at 815-397-3691 or janine.idstein@hcr-manorcare.com. We're waiting to hear from you!
We, the employees of HCR ManorCare, are dedicated to providing the highest quality in health care services. By ensuring that patients and residents live with the greatest dignity and comfort possible, we will establish HCR ManorCare as the preeminent care provider, committed to standards of performance which serve as the hallmark of the industry.
This level of performance will require:
Employee commitment to excellence in health care.
Attractive, highly functional facilities.
Clear, appropriate and measurable performance targets.
A healthy working atmosphere based on sound, uniform policies; clear direction and lines of authority; a responsive management; and unsurpassed employee training.
Satisfying the needs of our most discriminating customers is the truest indicator of how well we are meeting these standards. By meeting them consistently, we will further the success of this enterprise and enhance the future for us all. As members of the HCR ManorCare team, our exceptional performance will create the greatest possibility for personal development and recognition. Through our success, the company will continue to grow and broaden its opportunities in diverse health care markets.
Description
Heartland Hospice provides care to patients wherever they call home: in the house they've lived in for years, a skilled nursing center, an assisted living facility or independent living facility. Every patient is different, with different challenges, different needs, different family and friends. So the care we give each patient is different.
Heartland volunteers offer support, companionship and practical, compassionate help. Some interact directly with patients and families. Others prefer to work behind the scenes in the office setting. As a volunteer, you help determine which tasks you’re best suited to perform. The tasks of volunteers include:
Helping with office support tasks at the agency
Running errands for patients and families
Staying with patients so family members can get a much-needed rest
Reading, or providing a comforting touch
Playing or singing soothing music to patients
Keeping vigil with patients in their final hours
These and other tasks are why hospice volunteers are such an essential part of the Heartland experience.
