Hospice training to be offered in Milford

Volunteer training classes for those who interested in the hospice philosophy of care, or who wish to explore the elements of end-of-life care and bereavement, will be held throughout November at Saint Patrick’s Church, 111 East High St., Milford.

Classes are scheduled for Nov. 11, 14, 15, 19, with graduation on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Each session will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

Trained hospice professionals will teach the various sessions on these topics including: patient care, cancer concepts, pain control and nutritional concerns, family system, aging, listening and communication skills, spirituality, ethics, death, dying and bereavement.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be certified hospice volunteers and have the option of working in their communities and establishing their own schedules. In addition, they choose what allowable services they are willing to provide for the organization.

Hospice volunteers are an integral part of an extended support system assisting the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice professional team in caring for terminally-ill patients and their families. They offer companionship and emotional support or provide respite for family caregivers.

A need for care

“There is a definitive need and primary request from caregivers for volunteers to provide assistance during the day,” says Sue Dougherty, volunteer coordinator. “Morning and afternoon assistance avail the caregiver the opportunity to run errands, make appointments and simply refuel with a couple of hours to themselves. Ultimately, our purpose is to encourage quality of life in the home for the entire family while providing palliative care for the patient."

For additional details or to register contact Sue Dougherty at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at 973-383-0115 or sdougherty@karenannquinlanhospice.org. You may also register online at karenannquinlanhospice.org/train.

The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation is dedicated to providing hospice care for the terminally ill and bereavement counseling for those who have lost loved ones. It serves Northeast Pennsylvania and Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey.