Coastal Hospice to Hold Volunteer Information Meetings

Coastal Hospice will hold two informational meetings in September aimed at building its volunteer program, which helps the organization continue its mission to provide help to patients with life-limiting conditions.

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14from 9:30-10:30 am at the main office in Salisbury at 2604 Old Ocean City Road.A second meeting will be held on Thursday, September 16 from 9:30-10:30 am at Coastal Hospice at the Ocean at 10441 Racetrack Rd in Ocean Pines. There is no need to attend both meetings. The purpose is to discuss how volunteers can help Coastal Hospice continue its mission to promote dignity and quality of life for Coastal Hospice patients and families.

“Volunteers are important members of our team assisting our patients and their family members at a critical point in their lives,” says Coastal Hospice Volunteer Services Manager Judy Hunt-Harris.  “Volunteers do not need a clinical background they only need a heart for hospice.”

Volunteers can be companions to patients and their families, provide respite to caregivers, and support in fundraising for Coastal Hospice. Volunteers help with practical needs, like running errands or providing transportation.Volunteers are compassionate listeners and valuable members of the team.

Many Coastal Hospice volunteers say it is a unique and rewarding experience that changes their lives. They are grateful for the opportunity to give back to their community and feel privileged to provide assistance in a family's most difficult moments.

“Our patients have wisdom beyond my understanding,” says patient care volunteer Carolyn Jenkins. “I love listening to their stories and for a while they can forget they are on our service.”

Volunteer activities are flexible and involvement can be tailored to fit each person’s schedule. All volunteers involved in patient care are offered specialized training and are required to complete volunteer training prior to working with patients and families. The training is designed to help volunteers understand the concept of hospice care and the volunteer’s role as a member of the Coastal Hospice care team. Trainings are offered three times a year and explore the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of caring for a patient with a life-limiting illness and his or her family.In-service training on various topics is offered throughout the year.

Founded in 1980, Coastal Hospice is a private non-profit community program that provides traditional hospice services, palliative care,bereavement support, education and training to residents in Wicomico,Worcester, Dorchester, and Somerset Counties on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.About 100 people are employed by Coastal Hospice and over 300 individuals volunteer.

For more information call 410-742-8732, ext. 107 or click HERE.