Volunteer Services

Hillcrest Community Hospice is hosting a training course for prospective hospice volunteers, beginning September 20.  The program gives participants the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to serve hospice patients and their families.  Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. for five weeks.  Space is limited. Call 202-5152 for more information or to register.
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The Hillcrest Community Hospice volunteers are an integral part of the hospice care team, providing a variety of support services for hospice staff and patients. Some of the tasks the volunteers can do for the patient/family include:
Sitting with the patient for several hours to relieve the caregiver; 
Running errands and occasional shopping for the family; 
Providing transportation to the doctor; and 
Offering support and encouragement.

There are some tasks that the volunteers are NOT allowed to perform, which include:
Administering medicines;
Clipping or cutting toe nails or fingernails;
Accepting money or reimbursement for their help; and
Administering any nursing treatments such as dressing changes or giving an enema.

Hillcrest Community Hospice also enlists the support of professional volunteers. These volunteers are allowed to perform the duties of their skilled profession. All volunteers receive 30 hours of hospice training. Please do not treat the volunteer like company. Patients who want or need to rest during a volunteer's visit should feel free to do so.