Hospice Therapy Animal Visitor

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Core Competencies: Ability to deal with death and dying comfortably and demonstrate good listening skills. Willing to participate in on-going programs and peer support groups. Make a time commitment of one year to serve a minimum of two hours a week as needed.

Other: Valid driver’s license and auto insurance

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop care plan and provide therapeutic bedside animal companionship for hospice patient(s).

2. Initiates and maintains contact with assigned patient/family.

3. Offers various forms of assistance, comfort measure, supportive services, including reading to and writing for patient, sitting at bedside, especially during dying process and caregiver relief for families.

4. Assists patients and families to cope with problems of terminal illness and death; helps them to express feelings and concerns.

5.Completes written reports of contact and submits to the Volunteer Coordinator.

6. Refers to the Volunteer Coordinator any immediate needs, problems or concerns.

7. Attends on-going education programs and peer support groups, as requested.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the position as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that maybe inherent in the position.