How do I start the conversation? - Hospice Volunteer

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ORGANIZATION: Enhabit Hospice

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How do I start the conversation with a Hospice patient?

If you are meeting a patient for the first time it may be helpful to speak with the volunteer coordinator to get some helpful information about the patient. Introduce yourself and explain who you are and why you are there. If this is not possible, then it may be helpful to start by checking in with the patient, "How are you feeling?" Ask them about their comfort level and possibly "Do you have any pain?" Ask them about their family, interests, and if they would like to share anything. A good conversation starter and question is "tell me about.... cars, when you were young, a time when you were happy?"

Other tips:
* Talk about weather, news, or something that is going on currently. It’s probably best to stay away from politics, but if patient wants to talk about it, you can listen.
* Silence is okay, give them time to think. Avoid rapid fire questions as they will confuse and be hard to understand.
* Look around the room for cues of things to talk about: pictures, decorations, religious artifacts, figurines.
* You can comment on people in pictures, but keep in mind, if patient has dementia, they may be distressed by not being able to identify who it is. So you can remark on their expression. "She looks happy!"
* Make this time about them. Redirect back to them if they ask you too many questions about yourself.
* Be patient. It takes time to build a relationship.
* Listen and observe their body language.

Why Is Hospice Volunteering Important?

The contributions made by hospice volunteers have a profound impact on our patients, their families, and the healthcare team. They dramatically enhance the patient’s quality of life during those final months.

Isolation

Companionship very important to all of us. That’s why we want to reduce any feelings of isolation as much as possible. It’s vital that patients understand they are not alone. We have an entire healthcare team to support them-and volunteers are a huge part of that team.

Make time to make a difference - volunteer in your neighborhood

Provide companionship by listening to patients’ stories and engaging in their interests


Looking to make a difference in the lives of others? Our hospice volunteers provide comfort and support to patients facing a life-limiting illness. Become a hospice volunteer

As one of the nation’s largest hospice providers, Enhabit is focused on providing dignity and comfort to patients at the end of life. Hospice is more than just symptom and pain management; it is a philosophy of care designed to treat every physical, spiritual and emotional need of a patient and their loved ones.

One of the ways we are able to provide such comprehensive care is through our hospice volunteers. Volunteers are required by Medicare to be part of the hospice care team with the goal of offering specialized skills and support outside of the clinical team. Volunteers ensure that the patient and family’s needs are met through companionship, assisting with everyday tasks and providing respite time to a patient’s caregivers.

If you want to make an impact and feel a calling to connect with others, we encourage you to join our team of compassionate volunteers today.

What do hospice volunteers do?

Provide companionship by listening to patients’ stories and engaging in their interests

Assist branch offices with administrative duties Visit with patients in their home setting Provide companionship by listening to patients’ stories and engaging in their interests Help our hospice team understand the needs of the patient and family Provide respite time for the patient’s primary caregiver

Sit with patients and loved ones in the last 24 or 48 hours of life

Specialized volunteer services

Honoring our veterans

Veteran volunteers provide specialized support and compassion to other veterans at the end of life.

Bereavement support

Bereavement volunteers are trained to provide ongoing check-in calls with family members up to 13 months after the loss of a patient.

Paws for Comfort

Volunteers and their therapy dogs provide emotional support for patients through our "Paws for Comfort" program.

Getting started - Ready to volunteer? Join our team serving the Wichita Community & surrounding areas. Contact Enhabit today!

217 More opportunities with Enhabit Hospice

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About Enhabit Hospice

Location:

8201 E. 34th St. Cir, Bldg 1500, Suite 1503, Wichita, KS 67226, US

Mission Statement

The Enhabit Home Health & Hospice mission of providing A Better Way to Care is achieved every day by our committed employees and dedicated, experienced management teams.

Description

As one of the nation’s largest hospice providers, Enhabit is focused on providing dignity and comfort to patients at the end of life. Hospice is more than just symptom and pain management; it is a philosophy of care designed to treat every physical, spiritual and emotional need of a patient and their loved ones.




CAUSE AREAS

Community
Health & Medicine
Seniors
Community, Health & Medicine, Seniors

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

67226

(37.76853,-97.21136)
 

SKILLS

  • People Skills
  • Relationship Building

GOOD FOR

  • Teens
  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

  • Driver's License Needed
  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 14
  • Orientation or Training
  • 1-10 hours a month - you set your own schedule
  • Be least 14 years old Have experienced no significant personal loss in the past year Complete a criminal background check Drug test & 2 step tuberculosis test paid for by Enhabit Complete an eight-hour hybrid orientation

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