Tracy Haddow is 100 Mile District Hospice and Palliative Care Society program director and manager of the volunteers.
“Without our volunteers we couldn’t do this work; they mean everything,” she says.
We have some volunteers who have been here 20 to 30 years. One of them told me that to her, volunteering with Hospice was volunteering in a way that had substance.”
Haddow explains that people generally think of Hospice volunteering as companioning with people who are living with or dying from a life-threatening illness.
“That’s our priority, as well as supporting their families, but there are many other ways people can volunteer.”
Not everyone wants to sit with a patient, Haddow says, adding there are also office tasks, running the library and fundraising for things like specialty mattresses.
“We also have volunteers trained in stress relief and relaxation, which is a big benefit for patients and caregivers alike, and volunteers run grief and bereavement programs.”
She notes volunteer training is held once a year – a 30-hour training that covers a wide range of topics, such as specialized communication skills, social issues, physical processes, pain and symptom management, spirituality, family centred care, funerals and legal issues, advanced care planning, grief and bereavement support and self-care skills. There is also ongoing training throughout the year, she adds.
“Because our volunteers are so focused on caring for others, they’re really good at caring for each other. Our group is a very close group. Our volunteers say that this has changed their lives.”
To find out more about the 100 Mile Hospice, including how to volunteer, visit www.100miledistricthospice.org or phone: 250-395-7680.
