New Volunteer Program
Tim Galvin mentioned that there is a new kind of volunteer program that
Hospice of NW Ohio is hoping to inaugurate. Currently, all Hospice
volunteers are required to take a 24 hour training program (3hrs a night for
8 weeks) prior to becoming involved in patient contact. Obviously, however,
there are a people who might like to help out
at an organization like Hospice but are unable to commit to that kind of a
schedule. For that reason, we are looking at other needs that are important but
which may not
require such extensive training. One of these is transportation.
There are many instances where Hospice patients, who
may no longer be able to drive, need transportation assistance to Doctor's
appointments, grocery shopping, Church, etc. Also, it happens that spouses
or family who may no longer drive may need transportation assistance
to a Hospice inpatient unit, or an extended care
facility to visit a patient. These types of needs are increasing, and if
this is all that is required of a volunteer (as opposed to more direct
patient care in the home) then an orientation program could be designed of a
much shorter duration, (e.g 1 day for 3-4 hours). Also, the volunteer could
designate what day(s) and time(s) he/she would be available to volunteer in
order to best suit individual schedules.
This program is in its infancy so nothing is set in
stone, which also means there is room for flexibility. Transportation is an
important need, however, and we are looking for folks who might be willing to
first, give some time to an orientation experience,
and then give a couple of hours a week (again it's flexible) to providing
this service.
Tim is interested in knowing what you think of this
idea, and would be happy to
answer any questions that might arise. 419-931-3400 or
dagalvins@hotmail.com
