SALISBURY – As part of the services it provides, Coastal Hospice offers volunteer support to patients and their families while the patient is in hospice care and following their passing.
The hospice also sends veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to make honor visits to patients who are veterans, and also depends on volunteers for the Berlin Thrift Shop.
An informational and training session for anyone wanting to learn about volunteer opportunities at Coastal Hospice will be held on Friday, May 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library. No commitment to volunteer is required to attend, and the public is invited to the free session.
Coastal Hospice depends on their volunteers to provide the quality care every patient needs and deserves, and will work with volunteers to match their interests to opportunities.
“We can work within your schedule and where you live, and give you the skills you’ll need to be a hospice volunteer,” said Sally Rankin, volunteer coordinator for Coastal Hospice who will be leading the training session in Ocean Pines. “There are many ways you can help.”
Patient care volunteers at Coastal Hospice support the patient and family while the patient is under hospice care. They visit with patients and their families in their own homes or at a facility, and run errands, provide companionship, fix lunch, or give caregivers a much-needed break.
Grief support volunteers make calls to families who have lost a loved one, help with support and social groups, write notes, prepare mailings, enter data and help with other administrative tasks. They also support children’s bereavement events including Camp Safe Harbor in the summer and Hope and Healing with Horses in the fall.
Veteran volunteers make honor visits to veteran patients, presenting them with a certificate of honor and a patriotic blanket. They also share stories of their time in the service.
Thrift Shop volunteers assist customers, create displays, operate the cash register, or sort and price donations.
Early registration is encouraged. To register for training or to receive more information, call Volunteer Services at 410-742-8732 or email [email protected].
Founded in 1980, Coastal Hospice is a nonprofit health care organization that cares for individuals facing life-limiting conditions but who want to remain as active and engaged as possible. Coastal Hospice cares for patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living facility or at Coastal Hospice at the Lake.