Hospice LifeCare to provide training for volunteers

Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare will offer volunteer training on Monday, June 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg in the hope it will be convenient for interested persons from both Wayne and Holmes counties.

Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend this introductory session to see if hospice volunteering is something they would enjoy.

LifeCare Hospice volunteer coordinator Rebecca McCurdy said, “We are greatly in need of individuals interested in supporting patients and families who are facing terminal illness."

The focus of the training is equipping people to help terminally ill persons live their lives to the fullest for as long as possible. Volunteers look to enhance the quality of life of patients with companionship, music, the company of certified therapy animals and with compassionate listening.

"In addition our volunteers can help family caregivers by giving them a break or assistance with the tasks that help keep the household running smoothly during the crisis of terminal illness,” McCurdy said.

Anyone interested is encouraged to call 330-264-4899 or 800-884-6547 or email RMcCurdy@lifecarehospice.org.

Hospice volunteers may choose to work in patient and family support roles in private homes, nursing homes or in the new in-patient hospice facility.

Volunteers also may be interested in working in administrative support roles in the hospice offices, located in Wooster, Millersburg and Ashland. Hospice is a good place for married couples to volunteer together if that’s something they would like to do.

“Hospice volunteering is about being a good neighbor. It is about people of this community helping their neighbors at a critical time in their lives,” McCurdy said. “Even if someone isn’t sure if hospice work is for them, they are encouraged to take the training. It’s the perfect way to find out if this is something you would like. If you do decide to join our team, you will join some of the finest people in the community who wake up every morning knowing they really make a difference for those around them.”

There is no charge for this training. If you are interested but the upcoming training does not fit your schedule, call anyway to be put on the mailing list. Hospice is planning to offer additional classes in the near future.

Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church is located at 201 N. Mill St. in Fredericksburg.