Volunteer Contact

Coordinator of Volunteer Services – Linda Brooks

linda.brooks@pentictonhospice.com
(250) 250-492-9071 x 2651

What is hospice volunteering all about?

So you want to be a Hospice Volunteer?

Volunteer Services are a huge component of the Hospice program. As you decide whether Hospice volunteering is a service you want to give at this time, please consider these thoughts:

You have an interest in the Hospice concept, and have the desire to help others. You have some awareness of what is drawing you to Hospice work, and are willing to explore this in depth. You are sensitive to the special needs of dying patients and their families, and have chosen to work to support them.

You are aware of the losses you have experienced, and your way of grieving, and have a sense of perspective about life and death, loss and grief.

You are open to others who may have different values, beliefs and ways of living. You are also able to listen well, and to validate others where they are — rather than where you might believe they should be.

As you may be called on to work in a variety of areas and perform many different tasks — self-reliance, flexibility and adaptability are assets. Realistic awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses and the ability to set limits are important.

You like working as part of a team, and are willing to explore ways of supporting and being supported by other team members. You are dedicated to your own growth and on-going learning. Your personal strengths likely include warmth, concern for people, sense of humor and approachability.

You are willing to commit yourself to the training and volunteer responsibilities that follow, and to gaining an understanding of the standards and policies of the Hospice
Program.

You have no personal agenda to your Hospice work, and understand that hospice work is not to change people, but to be with them where they are. If you have experienced a significant loss in the past year, please consider carefully your present ability to take on a demanding program as this work may intensify your own grief.

If you have experienced a significant personal loss within the past year, please consider carefully your present ability to take on a demanding program as this work may intensify your own grief.

Working at Hospice can be stressful at times. But, it can also be very rewarding…

“When people ask me about my work as a Social Worker with the Hospice Palliative Care Program it is not uncommon to get the response “that must be so depressing, I could never do that.” It’s a statement that I think every one of my colleagues has heard before. Yet, there is so much life at end of life, and so much richness in the moments that occur that it truly is a privilege to witness, to companion, and to provide care to patients and their families at this precious and sacred stage of life. Even in the moments of deep sorrow or suffering, if a compassionate presence can lend some hope in the moment, it is deeply meaningful.

Recently at Hospice House we received a letter from a man whose wife was at Hospice House, and she wrote this letter in her last weeks of life. She had expressed that she wanted to share this letter so that people who fear that there is nothing but suffering at the end of life know there is still life, living and care as one nears death. To honour her request, I would like to share this letter from Les and Mary Brough with you.”  – Susan Kast, MSW, RSW

Hospice Volunteers… “here when you need us”:

• listening without judging
• companionship without intrusion
• assistance with tasks
• short-term respite
• support to families
• hospice library
• vigil visits near end stage of illness
• music
• pet therapy
• bereavement group
• walking group
• telephone support for individuals