Danvers-based Care Dimensions, the region’s largest provider of hospice care, announced it will hold online training classes next month for those interested in becoming volunteers for the nonprofit organization.
The training educates and equips potential volunteers, who visit patients in their homes, in facilities, and at the organization’s hospice houses. As part of the training, participants can learn how to use activities they already enjoy and share them with patients, such as engaging in a shared interest or hobby, helping with letter-writing or life review, visiting with an approved dog, reading to a patient, listening and by providing a supportive, comforting presence, and more.
“Being a hospice volunteer has changed my life because it keeps me grounded. Life is so much more enjoyable because I have a better appreciation for everything,” said Care Dimensions Pet Therapy Volunteer Nancy Littlehale of Wenham.
Those who feel patient visits are not the right fit can volunteer in other ways, such as providing administrative office support or making check-in phone calls to current patients or bereaved family members.
Training will be held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 – 11 a.m., October 7 – 30 (register by Sept. 27).
Care Dimensions is the largest hospice and palliative care provider to adults and children in Massachusetts. As a nonprofit, community-based leader in advanced illness care, Care Dimensions provides comprehensive hospice, palliative care, grief suport in more than 100 communities in Massachusetts. Founded in 1978 as Hospice of the North Shore, Care Dimensions cares for patients wherever they live – in their homes, in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, in hospitals, or at our two inpatient hospice facilities, the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA and the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.
For more information or to register, please go to caredimensions.org/volunteers, or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org.
