Free informational session:
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Philmore Commons, Salisbury
As part of the services it provides, Coastal Hospice offers volunteer support to patients and their families in hospice care and following the patients’ passing in all four Lower Shore counties the nonprofit serves. The hospice also seeks volunteers for other areas of need, including the We Honor Veterans program, the Berlin Thrift Shop, and bereavement support.
An informational and training session for anyone wanting to learn about volunteer opportunities at Coastal Hospice will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Coastal Hospice Volunteer Services Office, Philmore Commons, corner of U.S. Bus. 50 and Phillip Morris Dr. in Salisbury. No commitment to volunteer is required to attend, and the public is invited to the free session.
There are many ways to volunteer for Coastal Hospice throughout the areas the nonprofit serves: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Patient care volunteers provide basic comfort and companionship to patients and their families at home; in nursing and assisted living facilities; and at the inpatient facility, Coastal Hospice at the Lake. Bereavement volunteers provide emotional support and assistance during the 13-month period following the hospice patient’s death. Administrative support volunteers assist staff at Coastal Hospice at the Lake and the Berlin and Salisbury offices. Thrift shop volunteers provide support for the store in Berlin. Volunteers who are veterans themselves have opportunities to interact with veteran patients as part of the We Honor Veterans program.
Coastal Hospice depends on their volunteers to provide the quality care every patient needs and deserves. The volunteer coordinator will work with individuals to match their interests to opportunities.
“We are always looking for volunteers who want to make a difference, and there are many ways you can help,” Sally Rankin, volunteer coordinator for Coastal Hospice, said. “We have a particular need for volunteers to make follow-up grief support calls in coordination with a bereavement counselor. We can work within your schedule and where you live, and give you the skills you’ll need to be a hospice volunteer.”
Early registration is strongly encouraged. To register for training or to receive more information, call Volunteer Services at 410-742-8732 or email volservices@coastalhospice.org.
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, or assisted living facility or at Coastal Hospice at the Lake.
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CAPTION:
Coastal Hospice volunteers serve in many roles, including the upcoming Santa Run in December. Shown here: Volunteers Brenda Dickerson and Dave Duitscher prepare to visit patients with holiday cheer in 2015.
