Hospice of Hilo is looking to add to its volunteer team and will conduct a training session in March for members of the community interested in giving a few hours a week to uplift others.
Hospice of Hilo is looking to add to its volunteer team and will conduct a training session in March for members of the community interested in giving a few hours a week to uplift others.
“For me, volunteering for hospice is a calling to meet patients where they are at any one moment, to support them in their final journey in whatever way I can and to lighten the work for the staff whenever possible,” said current volunteer Leinani Kent-Skruch.
New volunteers can choose to provide services such as companionship, respite, transportation, light housework, yard work or administrative support.
Hospice of Hilo is especially in need of licensed massage therapists who want to share their gift of care, and volunteers who can serve a shift on a night or weekend.
“Sometimes I stay with someone who likes to talk when they are up to it, or wants to go outside,” Kent-Skruch said.
“And, sometimes I sit quietly and read or do puzzles while a patient rests because the person does not like being alone but doesn’t want to talk. In the end, the short weekly shift is where I need to be.”
Training dates are noon-4 p.m. March 16 and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 17 and 20-21.
To arrange a pre-training interview, interested trainees can contact volunteer manager Jeanette Mochida at 969-1733 or jeanettem@hospiceofhilo.org.
Hospice of Hilo, located at 1011 Waianuenue Ave., provides specialized comfort care for patients facing a life-limiting or serious illness.
In addition to hospice services, the hospice also provides free bereavement counseling.
For more information, visit www.hospiceofhilo.org or call 969-1733.