CARIS Massage Therapist Hospice Volunteer

This office covers: Cannon, Rutherford and Wilson counties.

Are you a Licensed massage therapists that can provide comfort with gentle massages?

Do you have the Healing Touch of Reiki that can help restore harmony to a patient’s energy system?

Massage and Energy Therapy Hospice Volunteer Opportunity

During the final stage of life, everyone deserves to feel as comfortable, enriched, and fulfilled as possible. Alternative therapies such as massage therapy can help with this. It can provide relief from pain, as well as emotional difficulties like anxiety and depression.

What is end-of-life massage therapy?

End-of-life massage therapy is a gentle massage treatment for patients who are suffering from a terminal illness and nearing the end of their life. It’s a part of the holistic in care package designed to provide as much comfort and relief as possible.

A hospice care massage uses gentler techniques than a traditional massage. It’s completely tailored to the patient’s individual needs. A hospice massage therapist will consult with the patient or their loved ones, and the medical care team beforehand to learn about any particular areas of discomfort. Then they’ll create an individual plan for their hospice massage.

Massage therapy in end-of-life can provide many physical and emotional benefits.

1. Reduces pain

Massage therapy has a long history of being used to treat muscle pain, joint stiffness, and even nerve pain. Massage therapy may also help reduce any fatigue, nausea and, insomnia, and stress a patient might be experiencing.

2. Soothes strong emotions

Dealing with a terminal illness can feel emotionally overwhelming and may lead to anxiety and depression. Massage therapy has been proven to help improve mental health, providing comfort and relaxation.

3. Has a stabilizing effect

Massage therapy helps to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate as well as regulate hormones. It can also stimulate a release of endorphins and serotonin - "happy" brain chemicals - and reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

4. Provides one-on-one connection

End-of-life massage therapy gives the patient dedicated one-on-one time with another person where the focus is completely on them. It can help them feel cared for, nurtured, and comforted. Touch is a powerful and effective way to connect with others. The therapist can be an advocate for the patient.

We are looking for massage therapists that can provide:

Swedish massage-techniques like hypnotic stroking and passive touch. These involve lightly touching or stroking the skin without applying much pressure. If someone’s experiencing too much physical pain to tolerate any kind of pressure, the massage therapist can simply hold parts of the body to bring warmth and comfort. This can be as simple as holding the patient’s hand between theirs and customize to patient needs.

Job Role and Summary:

Hospice Massage Therapist is responsible for giving primary massage services to hospice patients or those who are terminally ill. They provide different types of massage from gentle massage comfort touch reiki or other types of massage that caters to the needs of the patient Hospice Massage Therapists also document the hospice patient's visiting events or schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1-Provide the best massage services toward the hospice patient accordingly

2-Give emotional support to the patient and the immediate family or loved ones if needed

3-Follow the proper guidelines and other rules or regulations concerning the massage services

4-Comply to the mandates of the health facility or health institution regarding the proper massage services toward hospice patients

5-Document the patient's activity and give additional remarks about it as much as possible

6-Communicate with other caretakers of the hospice patient and inform them about their progress if necessary

7-Coordinate with the patient's immediate family or loved ones and see to it that they are updated about the patient's status or condition

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 and 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

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."

-Asesop-