 |
 |
|
News
|
Telehealth Monitoring
Memorial Home Services offers telehealth monitoring, an automated device placed in
patients' homes to take vital signs,
remind them to take medication and answer simple questions about their condition.
|
 |
|
|
Hospice - Volunteer Program
Hospice - Volunteer Program
Volunteers lend a helping hand to patients and families.
"What can a volunteer do to help me or my family?" This is a frequently asked question of the other members of the hospice team. While a volunteer may not have a clearly defined professional role to fulfill, each individual brings his/her own unique talents and abilities to the assignment and is able to provide a special kind of caring. Volunteers are the “friends” on the hospice team, the listening ears, the helping hands, the caring community members who really do make a difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families. The following list contains examples of the services volunteers may provide to help during this difficult time.
Apply Online!
Companionship
- Listen to concerns
- Provide respite so family can attend other activities
- Read to the patient
- Help write letters, cards, life memories
- Reminisce about photographs, make a scrapbook
- Bring pets to visit
- Provide music, sing, play an instrument
- Bring homemade treats or bake some goodies with the patient’s help
- Provide haircuts, manicures or massages (if trained to do so)
Errands and Chores
- Help with the yard work
- Provide transportation
- Deliver medications
- Organize mail, help pay bills
- Make phone calls
- Do the grocery shopping
- Help with light housework
Bereavement Support
- Grieve with the family
- Attend funeral or memorial services
- Maintain telephone contact during the bereavement period
- Provide emotional support and counseling
Is there anything a volunteer shouldn't do?
Volunteers with Memorial Home Services cannot provide physical care such as lifting or bathing a patient, and they are not allowed to dispense medication. However, they can remind patients to take their medications.
How do I request volunteer support and how often is a volunteer available?
If you are interested in having a volunteer visit, please contact the hospice office at 217-788-4113 or email us and speak to the volunteer coordinator. A volunteer will be assigned based on your needs and schedule. Generally, most volunteers give about 4 hours of their time each week.
Volunteers are the heart of Hospice!
Memorial Home Services Hospice Program depends on its volunteers. They are an important part of the team caring for the terminally ill individual and they allow hospice to provide many varied services.
All volunteers must complete a thorough training course that prepares them for hospice work. Topics covered include: goals and philosophy of hospice care, psychological and spiritual issues related to dying, communication and listening skills, physical aspects of terminal illness, and patient and family rights. Volunteers are supervised by the hospice volunteer coordinator. Most importantly, our volunteers are caring, friendly people from the community who are available to provide extra support!
If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about becoming a Hospice Volunteer, please call: 217-788-4113 or 800-342-4862. Or apply online!
|
|
|
 |