Make a Difference as a Hospice Volunteer

Are you a good listener who enjoys being with other people? Have you been looking for a way to have an impact on someone else’s life? Do you have the capacity to brighten someone’s day? If so, please consider becoming a volunteer for Regional Hospice and Home Care.

The nonprofit agency is hosting a training session for new Family Support Volunteers on June 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 every evening from 6-9 p.m. at its new Center for Comfort Care & Healing, 30 Milestone Road in Danbury. Anyone interested should contact Mary Beth Hickey, volunteer manager, at 203.702.7415 or by email at mhickey@regionalhospicect.org for an interview and to fill out an application. Registration with an interview is required in advance of the class session, and attendance at all dates is mandatory to become a Regional Hospice and Home Care volunteer.

“We are looking for compassionate, caring people who are interested in helping families who have a loved one receiving end-of-life care,” said Hickey.

In particular, Regional Hospice seeks Veterans to volunteer as they launch their We Honor Veterans program, which will match the Veteran volunteers with Veterans in the care of the hospice.

Training includes information on the hospice philosophy in general, as well as the specific services provided by the Regional Hospice team. The death and dying process is also reviewed in detail. An interview, references and a background check are also required.

“The schedule for volunteers is very flexible,” said Hickey. “It can be a few hours or a few days each week, depending on the volunteer’s availability.”