CARIS Veteran to Veteran Hospice Volunteer

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS

TO SUPPORT OTHER VETERANS?

THIS MAY BE FOR YOU...

Our office covers:

Cannon, Rutherford & Wilson Counties

Veteran to Hospice Veteran

Volunteering Opportunities

WE HONOR VETERANS

Caris is committed to serving veterans by tailoring hospice service to meet their specific physical, emotional and spiritual needs. "We Honor Veterans" is a national program that promotes high-quality hospice care for veterans. Caris received the highest level of achievement in the program by committing to high-quality, specialized hospice care for all veteran patients.

We have many Hospice patients who are Veterans. The familiarity and comfort that Veterans share with one another makes a relationship very special especially as a patient is entering a terminal phase in his life.

• Caris regularly trains its volunteers on how best to care for veterans and their loved ones.

• Caris tends to the specific and unique needs of veterans at the end of life.

• Caris seeks veteran volunteers to provide one-on-one interaction with our patients who are veterans.

• Caris cherishes the opportunity to serve those who have served us.

CARIS Healthcare is a proud member of the We Honor Veteran Program.

We are a Level 5 status.

-Visit with Veterans.

-Attend pinning and certificate presentations.

-Honor Veterans at Homecoming & Appreciation Events

-Share stories, reminisce and support each other.

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Our goal is to create a rewarding, beneficial and supportive experience for all involved in the volunteer program.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN VOLUNTEERING WITH CARIS HEALTHCARE:

• Flexible times that fit your schedule

• Match you with a patient in your designated travel area

• Learn about the Hospice Philosophy

• Use your skills in a productive way while learning new skills, too

• Find purpose & connect with your community

• Training and on-going support

• Education on the Bereavement Process

• Support from Hospice Team & Volunteer Coordinator

• Easy Timekeeping Process

• Credit for TN Promise or Community Service Requirements

Some examples of how our Volunteers MAKE A DIFFERENCE in a Patient's Day:

• Take action on their TMIT's (Three Most Important Things) to make their day

• Sit with, hold space and listen to a patient’s concerns

• Being a comforting and supportive presence

• Engaging in the patient’s hobbies; work a puzzle, play a board game or discuss current events

• Writing down memories for the patient or helping with correspondence

• Sharing insights or needs of the patient to the hospice team/facility

• Encouraging the patient to tell their life story, reminisce and ask questions

• Providing respite for the caregiver to take care of themselves

• Celebrating Holidays, Anniversaries, Pinning Ceremonies and/or Birthdays

• Reading, singing, watching TV and/or pray with patient

• Decorate a patient's room

• Attend visitations or funerals to support caregiver & families

Note: It is important to know that hospice volunteers are never asked to do something they are not comfortable doing.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Volunteer Application & Background Consent Form

2. Background Check

3. TB Test Series (CARIS covers the cost) performed at Concentra

4. Orientation, average 2 hours

5. Cornerstone Training- Online training videos and resources

6. Valid Drivers License

7. Current Automobile Insurance

Overview of the Volunteer On boarding Process:

1. Respond to this posting

2. Fill out a Volunteer Application & Background Consent Forms

3. Speak to Volunteer Coordinator/return application

4. Background check is then completed

5. Set up Orientation Training

6. TB Test #1- Visit Concentra, Monday or Tuesday for test and return for the reading later that week

7. Start on-line Cornerstone training

8. Attend Orientation- average 2 hr. training. *Share your preferences, expectations and goals for volunteering

9. TB Test #2- (2) weeks later. repeat same steps as #6

10. Match w patient, set up time to meet patient with the Volunteer Coordinator. You will set up visit schedule w patient/caregiver/Volunteer Coordinator

11. Turn in Time sheets weekly

12. Make a difference is someone's life & have a meaningful experience

Another way to start the Volunteer process:

Volunteer At Caris (office.com)

"No Act of Kindness,

No Matter How Small,

Is Ever Wasted."

-Aesop-