Volunteers needed for hospice care

HONESDALE —Wayne Memorial Hospital’s Hospice Team is looking for volunteers to help individuals coping with an end-of-life illness and their caregivers. “To be a hospice volunteer takes a special sensitivity, but it can be a very rewarding experience,” says Joyce Malicky, who heads up the Hospital’s Volunteer Services, “and the families are always so grateful.” Hospice volunteers usually work two to four hours a week. They may be asked to help a patient who uses a walker, run errands, prepare a meal or just spend time with a patient to give a caregiver a few hours off. Volunteers are not required to have a professional healthcare background, but they must undergo training provided by medical staff, clergy, social workers and other volunteers. Three training sessions will be offered for anyone interested in volunteering: Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.; and Monday, June 16, 6 — 8 p.m. All sessions will be held at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, though the Hospice Team does serve patients in both Wayne and Pike Counties. Preregistration and general orientation required by May 30. Call Joyce Malicky at 570-253-8737.