HOSPICE

Visiting volunteers support individuals living with a life threatening illness and their family members. The process to become a visiting volunteer is extensive and requires a strong commitment of all that join the team. Successful individuals can explain why it is they are drawn to this type of work, have some knowledge of loss and are aware of the differences in the way people experience grief. Successful volunteers are able to listen and understand that volunteer work is not a place to share their own opinions. Visiting and Wellness Volunteers must be 18 years or older. If you have experienced the death of a significant person, we ask that you wait one year to apply to be a client volunteer.

 

Visiting volunteers provide weekly visits to client’s homes to offer companionship, support and caregiver relief. Volunteers may also provide drives to appointments.

• 2 - 4 hours per week minimum one year commitment

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Process to become a Visiting

1.  Review our website and familiarize yourself with what we do.

2.  Read and reflect on the “Things to Consider…” (on the left).

3.  Review the Course outline for “Introduction to Core Concepts in Palliative Care Level

     One” (on the left). This training is mandatory for all volunteers who will be involved in 1:1

      interaction with clients in their homes.

4.  Complete Volunteer Application Form.

5.  Contact HKA to make arrangements for an interview with the coordinator. Provide

     coordinator with your completed application form. Be prepared to answer questions  

     about why you wish to volunteer, what you will be able to contribute, and please be

     familiar and comfortable with or willing to learn about the type of support we provide.

6.  Reference checks will be completed by coordinator for those candidates found

     suitable.Volunteer will be registered by HKA staff for the 30-hour “Core Concepts in

     Palliative Care” training ($25 fee to be paid by volunteer).

7.  Volunteer will need to obtain a “Police Vulnerable Sector Check” through York Region

     Police www.yrp.ca ($20 fee to be paid by volunteer).

8.  Upon completion of Core Concepts training, volunteer will attend a HKA Orientation

     meeting and HKA Physical Skills Training.

9.  Volunteers are asked to complete at least two continuing education sessions offered by

      HKA and/or in the community on an annual basis.