Hospice Support Volunteers

Hospice Support Volunteer Role

In this role you might be asked to carry out a range of duties. We would like to paint a picture of what some of these duties might be so that you are better informed to make a decision about whether you would like to commit to becoming a hospice support volunteer. This list is not designed to scare you, nor is it exhaustive of the range of things people might ask you to do, but just to give you a clearer idea of this role.

• Listen quietly to the stories of their life
• Being there, a presence and silent
• Be caring in the way that they wish you to be
• Night sitting
• Companioning, being alongside
• Accompanying someone to an appointment or to the shops
• Reading to them
• Sharing hobbies
• Watching a movie together
• Writing letters and cards
• Food preparation and assisting with eating
• A wheel chair walk
• Sharing memories over photos
• Sitting in the garden
• Making cups of tea and coffee
• Doing the dishes or hanging the washing out
• Making a bed
• Gentle touch massage
• Assisting someone to the toilet
• Personal hygiene, for example brushing someone's hair or putting on some makeup
• Ask them what they need or want
• Being non judgemental
• Saying no to something you don't feel comfortable with doing or being

For further information please contact  Tel: 07 5479 0881

Things to consider when applying to be a hospice support volunteer

Volunteer support services are an integral part of the Sunshine Coast Community Hospice service. In considering whether hospice support volunteering is what you wish to do, you might like to think about these ideas

• You have an interest in the hospice concept and have the desire to help others.
• You have an awareness of what is drawing you to hospice work and are willing to explore this in depth.
• You are sensitive to the special needs of dying people and their family and friends and have chosen to work to support them.
• You are aware of the losses that you have experienced and your way of grieving, and you have a perspective about life and death, grief and loss.
• Working in hospice care can be stressful at times. It is important that you have a good support system and ways to take care of yourself, including some level of ability in saying no.
• You are open to others who may have different values, beliefs and ways of living. You are able to listen well and to validate others where they are, rather than where you might believe they should be.
• As you may be called on to work in a variety of areas and perform many different tasks, self-reliance, flexibility and adaptability are assets. Realistic awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses and the ability to set limits are important.
• You will be working as part of a team, and be willing to explore ways of supporting and being supported by other team members.You are dedicated to your own growth and ongoing learning. 
• You are willing to commit yourself to the training and to the volunteer responsibilities that follow and to gain an understanding of the standards and policies of the Sunshine Coast Community Hospice.
• You are not bringing personal agendas or missions to your hospice work and understand that our work is not to change people but to be with them where they are.
• You are able to commit to one year service with the hospice and monthly support and education meetings.

For the next support volunteer training course:
Telephone: 07 5479 0881 or contact us.

Program includes such topics as:

• An introduction to hospice care: Practice and philosophy
• Exploring the hospice support volunteer role
• Maintaining comfort at the end of life
• The emotional and psychological aspects of dying
• The spiritual dimension of life and death
• Communication skills
• Loss, grief and bereavement
• The needs of the carer
• Caring for the MND guest
• Self care practices