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4 people are interested
Friendship and Support for Hospice Patients and Families
ORGANIZATION: NorthShore University HealthSystem Hospice
Please visit the new page to apply.
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4 people are interested
NorthShore Hospice is seeking dedicated Patient Support Volunteers to help patients and families through their end-of-life journey. Hospice patients have a terminal diagnosis and a limited life expectancy, and they and their loved ones are often dealing with many emotional stressors while in the care of hospice.
A patient support volunteer can help in a few ways:
1. Volunteers can provide comfort, companionship and friendship to a patient living in a nursing facility or at home who is struggling with feelings of loneliness or a lack of socialization. These volunteers can provide a range of interventions depending on the patient and their diagnosis - from reading aloud, talking, or attending facility activities with the patient to simply listening to music, painting nails or holding a hand.
2. Volunteers can provide respite services for caregivers who are overwhelmed by the stress of caring for a loved one. Volunteers sit with a patient (sometimes doing the same activities as above) while the caregiver takes time to grocery shop, attend an appointment of their own, or just do some much-needed self care.
3. Volunteers can (if comfortable) transport patients and family members to appointments, run errands, or perform light housekeeping tasks.
No previous experience is necessary. To be a good hospice volunteer you need only to be dependable and punctual, flexible and patient, non-judgmental and friendly, a good listener and kind-hearted.
Qualifications:
- Volunteers must be 18 or older, and must be willing to commit to volunteering for 2-3 hours/week for a minimum of one full year.
- Volunteers must be willing to complete a health assessment that includes a physical, a blood screening for infectious disease and a Tb test, as well as an annual flu vaccine.
- Volunteers must have a social security number and complete paperwork for us to run a background check.
- Volunteers must be willing to complete our Volunteer Orientation process, which takes 10-16 hours depending on volunteer experience, and typically takes place in Skokie
- If a volunteer has had a loss of a close family member or friend, we ask that they wait 12 months before applying to volunteer with hospice.
- We ask that volunteers have their own transportation to get to/from their patient's homes.
- Those who have been in the healthcare or mental health field
- Veterans wanting to work with other veterans
- Retirees who enjoy socializing with folks who need company
- Those with registered therapy animals who would like to participate in our Canine Companion program
- Volunteers who speak a second language (Spanish & Russian are most needed, but any language is welcome!) and would like to support patients in their own language
- Those who have benefitted from hospice support (over a year ago) and would like to help others going through a similar experience
If this role sounds like a good fit for you, please get in touch to arrange an interview - we look forward to hearing from you!
More opportunities with NorthShore University HealthSystem Hospice
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About NorthShore University HealthSystem Hospice
Location:
4901 Searle Parkway, suite 160, Skokie, IL 60077, US
Mission Statement
NorthShore University HealthSystem Hospice promotes the health of the North Shore community by employing modern technology and expertise. The delivery of health care for our patients is provided in a wide range of inpatient and ambulatory health care settings. Significant support for residents who may not be able to pay the entire cost of their care is an integral part of this community responsibility. In support of its primary mission of patient care, the Corporation engages in wide range of education, research and other allied health training programs. This statement recognizes the Corporation's need to maintain its financial viability to meet its long-term commitment to the community to have available health care resources for their use. This includes the cultivation and development of our physicians, employees, and other resources to assure orderly prudent growth of our services and facilities
Description
Northshore Hospice is a comprehensive program of home-based care for patient, family and friends during the final stages of a terminal illness. The purpose of hospice is to help patients remain in their home setting, to provide relief from pain and discomfort, to help patients remain as active as possible, and to provide comfort and support so patients can maintain their quality of life with independence and dignity. Hospice team members focus on the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and their families. Patient Support Volunteers must go through a 15 hour training course.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Various locations on the North side of ChicagoRogers Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, RavenswoodLincoln Square, Albany Park, UptownChicago, IL 60640
DATE POSTED
December 10, 2021
SKILLS
- Counseling / Mental Health
- Healthcare
- Hospice Care
- Veteran Care
- People Skills
- Relationship Building
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 18
- Orientation or Training
- 2-3 hours/week for 1 year minimum commitment
- Background check (requires social security #) and Health Screen/Tb test required.