Volunteer Service Since 1980

Volunteers


The spring 2008 Patient Care volunteer training class takes a break to pose for the camera.

     More than 130 carefully trained men and women serve Blue Hill and the peninsula, Ellsworth / Downeast, Bucksport and Mount Desert Island as community hospice volunteers. Volunteers primarily offer emotional support, companionship and respite care so family members can rest. Volunteers may also provide light meals, transportation and errands when needed. Volunteers receive 30 hours of training, and are required to augment that training each year.

Thinking about Volunteering?

Meet some of our Volunteers as they answer the question...

"Why I Volunteer at Hospice of Hancock County...."

 

     A number of hospice volunteers have completed an advanced AIDS caregiving training program. Bereavement facilitators receive an additional 12 to 24 hours of bereavement training. Office volunteers are needed for mailings, to answer telephones, and for other general office duties.

     Skilled care providers, staff members, bereavement facilitators, and active volunteers present the hospice training. Classes include a thorough grounding in hospice philosophy, recognition of individual feelings and history of facing loss, communication and listening skills, the physical, emotional and spiritual manifestation of the process and bereavement, practical bedside comfort training, standard precautions, therapeutic touch and an orientation to community services and team care. The following is an outline of additional topics covered during the 8-week training course:

  • Hospice Philosophy and Care
  • Spiritual and Cultural Perspectives of Death and Dying
  • The Caregivers Journey with the Dying Person
  • Understanding the Dying Process
  • Interaction with the Hospice Team, Individuals and Families
  • Hospice Caregiving; Illness and Ethics
  • Caregiving Considerations for Volunteers
  • End of Life Business: Funeral Support Systems


Retired Executive Director, Barbara Clark, in black sweater, middle row, poses with
the Spring, 2006 volunteer training class.

 

2010 Trainings

We run our volunteer trainings in the spring and fall.


Bereavement Facilitator Volunteer Training
The 9 week Bereavement Facilitators Training is offered twice yearly in the spring and fall. Meeting once per week, time in training is approximately 30 hours. Please call for more information.
Tuesdays October 12 through December 7
3:30 - 7:00 P.M.  (9 Weeks) Ellsworth

Help others work through their grief by facilitating bereavement support groups.  Learn about the grieving process, a mind-body interaction, and promote emotional health.  Understand the wide variety of responses to loss.  Health care providers are welcome to attend.  Registration and interview are required.  Call 667-2531.  $50
 registration fee. Download Bereavement Facilitator Volunteer Application


Hospice Patient Care Volunteer Training
The 9 week Volunteer Patient Care Training is offered twice yearly in the spring and fall. Meeting once per week, time in training is approximately 30 hours. Please call for more information.
Wednesdays October 6 through December 8
3:30 - 7:00 P.M.  (9 Weeks) Ellsworth

Hospice patient care training enables men and women to help people in their community.  The goal of care is excellent quality of life for those who are nearing the end of life and their caregivers. Volunteers provide regular visits and emotional support so caregivers can take a break, do errands, make special appointments, go out for a meal with friends or take a nap. Volunteers provide companionship visits for people who reside in nursing homes or have been admitted to local hospitals. They accompany families who need support during the dying process.  To provide this care, volunteers learn about communication and support techniques, family dynamics, simple bedside care giving strategies, local resources and team care. Registration form and an interview are required.  Call 667-2531.  $50.00 registration fee. Download Patient Care Volunteer Training Application

Programs Offered at Hospice Of Hancock County

14 McKenzie Avenue, Ellsworth Maine 04605
Call 667-2531 to register.