Behind the Scenes Support- Newburyport, MA

Elara Caring is looking for your help!

Elara Caring Hospice is looking for compassionate volunteers willing to donate their time to provide two forms of behind-the-scenes (BTS) support for our hospice patients and their families. You will make a difference with either type of volunteer support!

• Creating Life Story Boards

for our patients with dementia. This is a significant way to honor the life story of our patients through a colorful representation of their lives. The Social Worker provides you with the detailed history collected from the patient and family. We provide you with the foam board, art supplies and use of office printer and space to print images, write notes and design what becomes a living legacy. These boards become a connection point for all staff and visitors for communication with that patient. The Life Story Board becomes an important part of the celebration of life when the patient passes as well as a cheerful, visual reminder to the family of their loved one's life before their illness.

• Administrative "Tuck-in Calls" Support

consisting of weekly phone calls from the office to family members who are caring for their loved ones at home. The intent of these calls is to be a link to the hospice team regarding any needed supplies or concerns identified by the family member before the weekend. We give you a script with prompts and a place to take notes. Calling family members to check in weekly, especially before the weekend or holiday, gives them an opportunity to express themselves to a non-professional, share what they might be concerned about and know that there is another member of the hospice team who cares. You don't need to problem-solve or have a counseling background; just a willingness to listen, pass on information to the team member(s) and assure that family member that he/she has been heard. Volunteer phone call forms are in the office and are a part of your training.

For additional information please contact Lisa Hanson, Volunteer Coordinator, (603)819-6155 or by email lhanson@elara.com

I look forward to hearing from you!

Lisa