When I tell people that I volunteer at a hospice they say, “It must be depressing working with people who are dying”. I smile and say, “Hospice work is not just about dying, it’s about helping people to live their lives as fully as possible despite having an illness that can’t be cured”.

If you’re looking for a way to share your knowledge, talent and heart that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, volunteering at a hospice may well be the answer. You’ll be a vital and valued member of the hospice care team providing compassionate care to others. I find volunteering at a hospice one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

What do I do as a volunteer?

As a hospice volunteer, you’ll be contributing in your own way to provide comfort and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones.

To become a volunteer, I first had to attend an orientation meeting with other volunteers. We were told of the aims and purpose of a hospice and asked where we would like to fit into the “hospice family”.

Volunteers are required in the following areas:

    • Administration (answering telephones, secretarial work)
    • Caring
    • Homecare. Many people who are terminally ill with diseases such as cancer, Aids, motor neuron disease or multiple sclerosis are cared for at home
    • Day care. The terminally ill meet at hospices once a week to interact with others and learn new hobbies and interests. Sometimes a tasty meal is included
    • Social work (welfare, bereavement, spiritual care)
    • Driving (providing transport for the terminally ill)
    • Catering
    • Gardening and flower arrangement
    • Arts and crafts
    • Charity shop assistant
    • Assisting with fundraising events.

There are two types of volunteers: enablers and caregivers. If like me, you qualify as a caregiver, you’ll attend further training in palliative care. If you choose to become an enabler, you won’t have direct contact with the terminally ill but you’ll attend further training, if necessary, on how to assist in the area of your choice.

There is a drastic need for the services a hospice provides. The incidence of cancer alone is expected to rise by a staggering 400% in Africa during the next 45 years according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). The reasons for this increase are mainly due to an ever-ageing population and the widespread adoption of Western lifestyles.

You can volunteer for as little or as much time as you can give – one day a week or one hour a month. If you would like to be a part of this rewarding experience and truly make a difference in the lives of others, please visit http://www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za/map.html to find your nearest hospice. They’ll be happy to provide more details.

 

Sources

www.ehospice.com
www.health24.com
www.hospicepalliativecaresa.co.za
www.stlukes.co.za