LIHUE — Kauai Hospice will be holding a three-day training workshop in October for new volunteers interested in providing emotional, physical, and spiritual comfort to patients in private homes and nursing facilities, and assistance for their families. Participants are asked
LIHUE — Kauai Hospice will be holding a three-day training workshop in October for new volunteers interested in providing emotional, physical, and spiritual comfort to patients in private homes and nursing facilities, and assistance for their families.
Participants are asked to attend an 18-hour training course over two weekends on Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22. The training is free and will take place at the Kauai Hospice office in Lihue.
The most important requirement for hospice volunteering is a willingness to help, say organizers. Volunteers provide companionship and grief support for patients and their families, and respite – short-term relief for caregivers to give them time for rest and rejuvenation from daily demands of ongoing care.
“Each hospice volunteer makes a real difference and has something unique and meaningful to contribute,” said Rayne Regush, volunteer coordinator. “The support they provide helps enhance the patient’s quality of life and also alleviates the stress of the family’s caregiving.”
The spirit of volunteers contributes to fulfilling the mission of Kauai Hospice to ensure the highest quality of life possible for individuals and their families facing a life-threatening illness, Regush said.
Volunteer requirements include background checks, tuberculosis skin test screening, and a valid driver’s license and liability insurance if driving to a volunteer assignment.
A portion of the training will include a four-hour orientation for volunteers interested in Kauai Hospice Transitional Music Program from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 16.
To schedule a pre-training interview for the volunteer training, contact Regush at 245-7277.
