A meaningful impact: Hospice of Humboldt seeks volunteers to support patients, families
- Sep 5, 2021
- 2 min read
Over 100 volunteers currently donate their time to Hospice of Humboldt, providing office support, engaging in community outreach and helping at the Hospice Shop thrift store. Some of these volunteers offer comfort and support to patients and their families being served by the nonprofit organization, which provides heartfelt end of life care and grief support services throughout northern Humboldt County.
“Each patient is offered a care team consisting of a medical provider, nurse, social worker, home health aide, chaplain, grief counselor and patient care volunteer. One of the things that set the volunteer apart is the fact that they have the ability to spend longer lengths of time with each visit. They are able to spend a few hours with the patient, rather than having to leave to care for another patient,” said Dennice Stone, volunteer coordinator.
Hospice of Humboldt — located at 3327 Timber Fall Court in Eureka — has been serving families locally for over 42 years, has a staff of more than 100 employees and currently works with 103 volunteers. Hospice of Humboldt provided end of life care to 644 patients and their families last year.
Stone said that patient care volunteers go through approximately 16 hours of specialized training and also receive one-on-one training before heading out in the field. Members of the patient care team are also available to offer support to patient care volunteers throughout.
“When a volunteer goes into a patient’s home —which includes assisted living facilities and the Ida Emmerson Hospice House — they share compassionate time to do whatever the patient may want,” Stone said. “Common activities include listening to music, reading to them or a favorite hobby like jigsaw puzzles. Patient care volunteers help not only the patient, but also offer the primary caregiver a break — a chance for some quiet time, to go shopping, visit with friends, etc.”
Stone added: “If you really want to make a difference in someone’s life that will be treasured forever by their family, be a hospice volunteer. People always remember the unconditional companionship and attention of the volunteer when they lose a loved one.”
For people who’d like a different volunteer experience with Hospice of Humboldt, there are plenty of other opportunities, Stone said.
“Just as there are many types of staff positions, so too do all Hospice volunteers support our patients and their families in some way,” she said. “The Hospice Shop thrift store in Arcata always needs volunteers. Volunteers can also help with maintaining the beautiful plants and landscaping on the Hospice campus. Grief support volunteers are trained to facilitate community grief support groups. We try to match the individual to a position that will be equally rewarding for them — that way everyone gains from the experience.”
For more information about becoming a volunteer or about services provided by Hospice of Humboldt, call 707-267-9813 or visit www.hospiceofhumboldt.org.
This story originall appeared on the Times-Standard.com.
