Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center will host a training program for individuals interested in becoming a hospice volunteer in Monmouth County.
The program will be offered at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18.
The volunteer training program is designed to give participants an understanding of the needs of patients and families who are coping with advanced illness. Program topics include Hospice History and Philosophy, Hospice Nursing, Spirituality in Hospice, Personal Death Awareness, Listening, and the Nuts and Bolts of Volunteering.
Upon completion of the program, volunteers will be connected with patients in close proximity to where they reside.
Established in 1981, Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care and support services for patients with advanced illness and their families throughout 10 counties in New Jersey.
The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by Barnabas Health.
“In as few as three hours a week, volunteers can make a tremendous difference in the life of a patient coping with advanced illness,” Ballas said. “Volunteers can read to patients, hold their hand, or just spend time with them while their loved ones take a breather. They are also a resource to families, typically helping by listening to their thoughts and concerns or assisting them with small tasks. When you volunteer for hospice you get back as much as you give.”
Additional information and registration are available by contacting Spiro Ballas at 973-322-4866 or sballas@barnabashealth.org.
