Offer comforting presence

The patient/family services volunteer provides various services as needed or requested to patients and their families including supportive care, comfort, and caregiver relief.

Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Initiates and maintains contact with assigned patient/family
2. Offers various forms of assistance, comfort measure, supportive services, including reading to and writing for patient, sitting at bedside, especially during dying process and caregiver relief for families.
3. Assist patients and families to cope with problems of terminal illness and death; helps them to express feelings and concerns.
4. Completes written reports of contact and submits to Volunteer Coordinator.
5. Refers to the Volunteer Coordinator any immediate needs, problems or concerns.
6. Attends on-going education as requested.
7. Continues to provide emotional support to family during bereavement as appropriate or recommended bereavement follow-up by others.