Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice to offer volunteer training classes

MILFORD — Volunteer training classes, for those who are interested in the hospice philosophy of care and wish to explore elements of the death, dying and bereavement process will be held on weekday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Nov. 5. Classes will be conducted at the Saint Patrick�s Catholic Church on 111 East High Street in Milford on Nov. 5, 7, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21, and 25.

Hospice professionals formally trained in each of the specific disciplines will present at the various sessions. Topics include Patient Care, Cancer Concepts, Pain Control, Nutritional Concerns, Family System, Aging, Listening and Communication Skills, Spirituality, Ethics, Death, Dying and Bereavement. Upon completion of the course, participants are Certified Hospice Volunteers. Hospice Volunteers 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.

"The Hospice Volunteer is 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. He or she offers companionship and emotional support or provides respite for family caregivers. It is a definitive need and primary request from care givers for volunteers to provide assistance during the day,"�said Sue Morrow, 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."

Registration is required for the free-of-charge, Hospice Volunteer Training course. Contact Sue Morrow at 973-383-0115, 800-882-1117 or smorrow@karenannquinlanhospice.org.

For programs, events, and more information about The Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation visit www.karenannquinlanhospice.org or Facebook.com/KarenAnnQuinlanHospice.org.