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20 people are interested
Vigil Volunteer
ORGANIZATION: Capital Caring- Maryland
Please visit the new page to apply.
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20 people are interested
When it becomes clear that a patient may be alone at the end of life, perhaps because their family cannot be at the bedside, hospice staff may request a Vigil when the patient transitions to actively dying.
Vigil Volunteers are at the bedside of actively dying patients. These specifically trained volunteers help support the patients every step of the way by bringing relief to family members who are unable to be present for the death of their loved one. And, most importantly, they help to ensure patients that they are not alone. Due to the urgency of the request, the Volunteer Department immediately alerts Vigil Volunteers. Typically a Vigil Sitter is at the patient’s bedside within an hour. A Vigil is established in four-hour shifts from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm or during the time span that the family or caregiver requests, and continues until the patient dies.
All Vigil Volunteers have three hours of additional specialized training, during which they are taught the importance and process of being present, signs of approaching death, cross-cultural perspectives and words of comfort for family members who may be present. The training is taught by a Spiritual Care Counselor and a Registered Nurse.
Sitting at the bedside of a patient in the final hours or days of his or her life is a great honor. Often, patients are not conscious during this time and one might assume there is no benefit to having another person in the room. Our hospice staff feels this is a time when another human’s presence can be comforting, calming and supportive - thereby reducing fear and anxiety for the patient.
Vigil Volunteers often say they enter the room of a complete stranger and leave as a special and sacred visitor. Family members regularly comment that it was especially heartwarming for them to know that their loved one was cared for so lovingly.
Our Vigil Volunteers are trained and pledge to:
* Be fully present for the patient
* Hold a place of love in the room
* Sing, read or speak softly
* Just "be" with the patient
* Hold a hand
* Play soft music
MUST BE COVID VACCINATED WITH BOOSTER
MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE 4-8 HOURS PER MONTH
MUST BE ABLE TO COMMIT TO 1 YEAR SERVICE
Two set TB test required, Flu Shot required, and background check
Hospice Training provided
MATURE AND COMMITTED INDIVIDUALS NEEDED
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About Capital Caring- Maryland
Location:
9885 Greenbelt Road, 3rd floor, rear entrance, Lanham, MD 20706, US
Mission Statement
Provide Patients and Their Families with Advanced Illness Care of the Highest Quality.
Description
Capital Caring Health would truthfully not exist without our volunteers. In 1977, this organization was founded by a group of dedicated volunteers, deeply committed to making a profound impact in our community. Capital Caring Health provides hospice, palliative and advanced illness care of the highest quality to patients of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. We serve pediatrics to geriatrics. We have two in patient centers and serve most patients in the comfort of their home. Volunteers are key to the service we provide. We train our volunteers and support them along the way. They are part of our team.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Multiple locations Lanham, MD 20706
DATE POSTED
February 28, 2024
SKILLS
- Hospice Care
- People Skills
- Elder care
- Pediatrics
- Veteran Care
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- 4-8 hours a month
- Background Check Must be at least 18 Orientation or Training 4-8 hours/month Background Check Must be at least 18 Orientation or Training 4-8 hours, 1 year commitment COVID VACCINATION/BOOSTER, PPD, FLU SHOT, HOSPICE TRAINING