ORGANIZATION: Heartland Hospice
Heartland Hospice wants to ensure no one dies alone. A hospice vigil volunteer is one of Heartland's most special and fulfilling opportunities. Vigil volunteers sit bedside with a patient who is 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 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: must be at least 18-years-old, agree to background and reference checks, TB test and Covid vaccine documentation required. Must be appropriately coping with any personal losses, impeccable communication skills, sound judgment regarding issues of death and dying, and ability to work independently with indirect supervision.
Vigil volunteers must have: 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!
If you live in Waukesha, or a surrounding community, and would like to provide support to hospice patients during their greatest hour of need, please contact us. We're waiting to hear from you!
10200 W. Innovation Dr, Suite 400, Milwaukee, WI 53226, US
Heartland Hospice provides specialized care that meets the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and loved ones facing the challenges of an advanced illness. The quality of life for those we serve is enhanced by encouraging personal choices, supporting meaningful experiences and preserving dignity. Every day, we enrich the lives of our patients and the people who love them by blending advanced medical care with a compassionate touch.
Heartland offers hospice services wherever a patient calls home, whether the care is provided in a home setting, assisted living facility or skilled nursing center. We are committed to providing comfort of the mind, body and spirit. Our specially trained staff helps manage pain and symptoms, thereby enabling patients to live their lives as fully as possible. In addition, our team members create a comforting environment and provide emotional support to families who need help coping with the loss of a loved one.
To serve as our guiding principles, we've created the Heartland Caring Promises: We promise to care for the mind, body and spirit. We promise to provide care that is comforting and compassionate. We promise to respect patient and family choices. We promise to unite with community partners in care. We promise to be accepting and supportive of patients wherever they are in life's journey.
The hospice volunteer program stresses human values that go beyond the physical needs of the patient. Our volunteers offer support, companionship and assistance with non-medical tasks to help this special group of people. The hospice volunteer program ensures that patients spend their final days in dignity and comfort and provide the extra love and care our clients and their families need at this time in their life.
TBD - we'll match you with a patient in your area!Waukesha, WI 53188
June 17, 2022