Hospice Volunteer - Direct Care

Description

The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care Volunteers may also make tuck in phone calls to patients and families to assess their needs, such as supply restocks. All care provided by the Direct Care Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan an agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

Qualifications

The Direct Care Volunteer must possess 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 the 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 on a regular basis.

Responsibilities

1. Provide support to patients and families by performing essential duties such as reading to patients, 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, completes necessary forms and communicates needs and concerns to Volunteer Coordinator and/or IDG team
3. May attend funeral visit the family/caregivers after the death of the patient
4. Participate in Volunteer support of peer groups and/or training with other volunteers
5. Provide availability on a regular basis and/or keeping with the assigned patient, family and caregiver needs as outlined and defined in the Volunteer Care Plan
6. Maintain regular communication with the Volunteer Coordinator about the needs of the patient, family and caregivers. Report any concerns, problems, or sudden changes in patient, family and caregiver status to the Volunteer Coordinator immediately
7. Perform duties with the established Volunteer Care Plan and function 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 are the domain of other persons, e.g. family, caregiver, hospice personnel, or facility staff.
8. Document and record hours of service and return Volunteer Visit Documentation Form to the Volunteer Coordinator within a timely manner, i.e. 24-48 hours
9. Notify the 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.
10. Maintain patient, family and caregiver confidentiality and abide by federal regulations related to privacy practices, e.g. HIPAA
11. Assure for compliance with local, state, and federal laws, Medicare regulations, and established personnel policies and procedures
12. Meet or exceed delivery of Company Service Standards and operate under the company's Code of Conduct
13. Be evaluated annually based on competency and performance
14. Participate in continuing education and training, including mandatory annual in-services (HIPAA, Tuberculosis, Emergency Preparedness, etc.)

Reports To

Volunteer Coordinator