- Companionship Hospice Volunteers

Gentiva is proud of the compassion that our Volunteers give our patients and families everyday! We would like to add more compassionate Volunteers just like them. Join our Volunteer program were sharing is caring!

1. Description

The volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families.

Qualifications

The Volunteer must posses the ability to actively listen and communicate compassionately with patients, families, and caregivers at the end-of -life. He/she has the ability to work as a team with family members and hospice staff. He/she must have the ability to respect patient/family belief systems. emotional maturity and sensitivity. Must be dependable and have access to reliable transportation. He/she must have an understanding of Hospice philosophy and goals, and be willing to participate in peer support/ continuing education meetings.

Responsibilities

1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties as reading to patient, playing games, writing letters on behalf of patients, assisting with plant or pet care, meal preparation, companionship or support with light household chores as needed.

2. Provide support to patients and families through tuck-in-call processes, complete necessary forms and communicates needs/ concerns to Volunteer Coordinator.

3. Participate in Volunteer support or peep groups and/ or training with other Volunteers.

4. Provide availability on regular basis and/ or keeping with the assigned patient, family, and caregiver needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan.

5. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator about the needs of the patient, family, and caregiver. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator.

6. Perform duties within the established Volunteer Care Plan and function within authorized activities according within authorized activities according to the individual's ability, knowledge, and training. Does not assume tasks or decisions which are outside the scope of the Volunteer or within the domain of other persons, family, caregiver or hospice personnel.

7. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation form to the Volunteer Coordinator within a timely manner 24-48 hours.

8. Notify Volunteer Coordinator if there is a change in situation that could affect patient care, a change in status, leave of absence or need for substitute volunteer.

9 Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, HIPAA