Hospice is a specialized health care service providing comfort care to terminally ill persons in their final days. Hospice staff specialize in easing the physical, emotional and spiritual discomforts that each patient and their family face as the end of life nears.

Pre-service Training
Twelve hours of volunteer training must be completed by each prospective volunteer. The training provides information and instruction about the following topics:

• Introduction to Hospice
• Patient/Family Volunteer Role
• Concepts of Death & Dying
• Communication Skills
• Care and Comfort Measures
• Diseases and Medical Conditions
• Psychosocial and Spiritual Issues
• Concept of the Hospice Family
• Stress Management
• Bereavement
• Infection Control
• Safety
• Confidentiality
• Patient Rights

Transitions Volunteer Program
Transitions is a new volunteer program which provides free support services to persons who do not yet meet the criteria for Hospice. In order to qualify for these services, a person must:

• Have a life expectancy of 12 months or less
• Can be receiving aggressive therapy such as
  chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Transitions Services
Transitions allows for well-trained volunteers to provide free support services which are provided in the client's home, nursing home or assisted living facility. Some of the services that are available include:

• Companion
• Run errands
• Prepare meals
• Transport to MD
• Grocery shopping
• Provide relief for the caregiver
  
  Also available are case management services which provide guidance to get affairs in order, guidance for financial assistance, link client to community resources as needed and will facilitate family meetings.