828.466.0466

Volunteers: The Heart of Hospice

Adults and teenagers aged 16-18 with an interest in volunteering at PCHCV are encouraged to sign up for the next volunteer training class. The course covers background information on hospice, as well as health care related training.

No volunteers, no PCHCV...

Volunteers are a vital part of our work. Volunteers provide relief, companionship, and affection to our patients. The few hours spent with them are invaluable; our families tell us that the small things, like running errands, reading aloud, or just listening make all the difference to patients and caregivers alike. Volunteers are a driving force behind hospice care.

Also, like all hospices in the United States, volunteers are a cornerstone of PCHCV. To attain Medicare reimbursement for hospice services, a minimum of five percent of total hours worked each year are required to come from volunteers; for example, in 2005, volunteers worked 7,663 hours. Without volunteers, PCHCV would have to close.

Volunteer Opportunities

PCHCV volunteers come from all walks of life. They are a wide range of ages, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They bring unique skills and life experiences to their volunteer commitment. PCHCV offers training, support and continuing educational opportunities for volunteers.

Our volunteers...

• Are 16 years of age or older, of any race or creed
• Are willing to give of their time
• Are open and accepting
• Find pleasure in helping others
• Keep promises to others
• Train in order to provide a helping hand
• Become vital members of the PCHCV team

Our volunteers contribute in a variety of areas:

Patient and Caregiver Care — Volunteers who serve where the patients reside may:

• Hold a hand — provide a source of support and strength
• Warm a meal — assist with small tasks
• Play comforting music or read aloud
• Run an errand
• Help with light housekeeping
• Be a friend — share the art of listening
• Sit with a patient — provide respite relief to a caregiver
• Help with yard work — provide a needed service
• Commit to help the PCHCV team

Office/Special Project Volunteers— Provide administrative support and assist PCHCV staff with special projects such as:

• Data entry
• Record keeping
• Filling
• Receptionist duty
• Special mailings

Integrative Therapy, Professional and Special Skilled Volunteers

• Certified Patient Care Volunteers who visit with pets
• Certified Massage Therapists
• Certified Music Therapists
• Spanish and Hmong speaking volunteers

The training session

Topics for the two-day training course include

• Hospice history and philosophy
• Issues surrounding death and dying
• Family dynamics/coping mechanisms
• Spiritual care and support
• Bereavement support
• Volunteer self-care

Volunteer trainees will also learn about infection control and safety and federal regulations, including HIPAA regulations. The goal of the training session is to give beginning volunteers the education and resources they need to feel confident in working with our patients and families. The class covers all PCHCV programs and areas of care, and explains the resources available to help new volunteers answer questions in their first few weeks of work.

Sign up today.

To learn more or to register for the training session, call Volunteer Coordinator Eva Narvaez at 828/466-0466 ext. 2203, or email enarvaez@pchcv.org. Or, click here to download the volunteer application, fill out, and return to us by mail or fax.

Mail:
PCHCV
3975 Robinson Road
Newton, NC  28658

Fax (attn: Volunteer Department): 828/466-8862

Our volunteers' kindness and caring make all the difference to our patients. Contact us about volunteering today.