Hospice volunteers receive free training

SALISBURY — SVNA is offering a 4-week hospice volunteer training course beginning Jan. 3. Volunteers are trained to support patients and their families during and after the final months of life by assisting in the following:

Support for patients: visiting, reading, taking walks, writing letters, interpreting for those who do not speak English, bringing in music and supervising therapeutic visits with pets.

Respite and support for family members: assist with shopping or light household maintenance, or allow family caregivers the opportunity to take care of necessary errands, exercise, or simply have some time alone.

Bereavement support programs: work closely with the hospice’s bereavement staff. Duties may include assisting a support group facilitator, serving refreshments, or helping with mailings to families.

Fundraising and administrative work. helping in the office with administrative duties. Fundraising responsibilities can range from preparing mailings or thank-you letters to organizing fundraising events and contacting potential donors.

Special skills and interests. Many hospices utilize volunteers to maintain their grounds and landscaping. Notaries, barbers and beauticians often volunteer their services to patients. Musicians often volunteer to play at hospice inpatient facilities.

The training course will be held Jan. 3 to 24 at 11 a.m. at SVNA, 30A Salmon Kill Road - Salisbury. To register, call Liz Tanner-Horn at 860-435-0816 or ETannerHorn@salisburyvna.org

Founded in 1904, the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association is the oldest and most comprehensive home care, hospice and private care agency in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. The not-for-profit, state licensed and Medicare certified home health and hospice agency’s mission is to provide advanced, compassionate care at home and in the community. Serving: Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Kent, Lakeville, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Taconic and Warren.

www.salisburyvna.org