CLEARFIELD – Working at many different types of assignments in various organizations throughout Clearfield County, volunteers with RSVP of Clearfield County are given opportunities to provide valuable service to organizations, their consumers and the community. One such proprietary healthcare agency that offers very rewarding and challenging opportunities for the volunteers is the Clearfield Hospital Hospice program.
Hospice is a specialized homecare program providing support and care for terminally ill patients and their families. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists and volunteers work together to provide patients and their families with support services during this very difficult time. Clearfield Hospital Hospice offers many programs to meet the needs of the patients and families.
The Eleventh Hour is a new program that is being offered by Clearfield Hospice. There are some patients who have no family members present or maybe family members need additional support during the last moments of their loved ones’ lives. This is where volunteers are in a unique position to enhance the support given by medical workers and Hospice. Volunteers may provide vigil, comfort and support to dying patients and their families.
Hospice volunteers are part of the team that makes this special way of caring possible. Simply put, volunteers take care of whatever needs to be done whether it is office work, community involvement, or direct patient care. Volunteers might hold a hand and listen, take patients to their favorite place, read to them, or sing along with them. They write letters, run errands, rake leaves, walk dogs, or pick up groceries. They step in when the primary caregiver needs a break from caring for their loved one. They provide exceptional services in tender and loving ways. In every aspect, they fulfill the role of compassionate friends. Volunteers are there for the family members before and after their loved ones pass away.
Hospice volunteers must complete a ten-hour Hospice training program. This special training gives the volunteers the understanding and skills to offer support to the patients and families. Each month, a meeting is held for the Hospice volunteers to update their training, check in with the Hospice manager, etc. Hospice is the only program that is mandated through Medicare to use volunteers.
Dana Wilson, Hospice volunteer coordinator, cannot say enough about the Hospice volunteers. Wilson stated, “Hospice volunteers are the heart of our program. They come through for us in so many ways helping with fundraisers, office work and caring for our patients and families. We truly appreciate them and all that they do.”
Like every non-profit organization, fundraising is an important activity for Hospice. Fundraisers are held by Hospice to provide services to the patients that are not covered by insurance. Hospice offers fun activities such as the annual Chili Bowl, Cycles of Life motorcycle show, and a Dice Run. By holding these activities that are fun for the entire family, Hospice is giving back something to the entire community. Volunteers are essential for the fundraising events.
If you have warmth, compassion, a non-judgmental attitude, and the ability to listen and communicate, this may be the perfect volunteer position for you. Please call the
RSVP office at 814-765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571 if you would like to become an RSVP volunteer for Hospice. Individuals must be 55 years of age or older to become an RSVP volunteer.
NOVEMBER VOLUNTEER CORNER:
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed throughout Clearfield County to assist with literacy and reading programs at local schools. Volunteers help children with reading or math activities. Training and materials are provided. This is a great way to have a positive influence on the future and use your life experience, talents, and skills. Call us today to begin helping to shape the future!
HOSPITAL VOLUNTEER: Hospitals in both Clearfield and DuBois are in need of volunteers to serve as escorts, information desk clerks, or in Clearfield Hospital helping with The Cottage gift shop. If you would like to brighten someone’s day and provide a much-needed service to your community, please consider becoming a hospital volunteer. Scheduling is flexible.
BE A “PAL”: The Pennsylvania Adult Literacy (PAL) volunteer program is looking for volunteers to help adults with basic skills necessary to improve job prospects or prepare for their GED. Volunteers are also needed to assist in the computer lab, answering telephone calls, or assembling newsletters. Scheduling is flexible and training is provided. Make a difference in someone’s life, volunteer today.
APPRISE VOLUNTEERS: Become part of a special team! APPRISE volunteers are specially-trained volunteers who answer telephone calls on specific days and provide information and referral to consumers who may need help on Medicare/Medicaid, long-term health insurance, and other health insurance issues. Volunteers receive free training and become certified by the state. Why not consider this opportunity to learn the options available to consumers and help individuals understand their options? Training is provided and scheduling is flexible.
If you are interested in any of the above volunteer opportunities or would like to learn more about RSVP, please call the RSVP office at 814-765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571. RSVP volunteers must be 55 years of age or older.
RSVP is sponsored and partially funded by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Additional funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Clearfield and DuBois United Way agencies, memorials and contributions.
Editor’s Note: The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a referral service designed to place volunteers in non-profit organizations where their knowledge and skills positively impact the community and individuals served. The following article is part of a monthly series by RSVP highlighting the community based involvement and service of RSVP volunteers.