Volunteers Make a Difference

Volunteers are truly remarkable people who unselfishly give of their time, talents and energies to help others. They give back. They make a difference.

Nearly 100,000 individuals perform volunteer work at hospices throughout the United States annually. It takes a special person to be a hospice volunteer, and no doubt, the dedicated individuals who share their time, talents and energies are truly special. Each year, hospice volunteers in Charles County, Maryland give of themselves to help more than 250 patients and their loved ones during a difficult time. They help patients and families cope with medical, emotional and spiritual issues.

Hospice volunteers state that helping others is personally gratifying. Many find it intellectually stimulating and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives. While many volunteers have personal experience with hospice and can empathize with what a patient and his/her family is going through, others simply want to help out and make a difference - one person at a time.

Hospice utilizes the knowledge and skills an individual already has, plus provides an additional
30 hours of specialized training before a volunteer receives an assignment.

How do I Become a Hospice Volunteer?

1. Complete the Volunteer Application and send to the Volunteer Coordinator at:

Mail:   Hospice of Charles County, Inc.  or   FAX: (301) 934-6437
      Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
      PO Box 1703
      La Plata, MD 20646

or you can drop off the application at the hospice office Monday - Friday, 8:00am -
4:00 pm: 105 La Grange Ave, La Plata, MD 20646

Click here to download the Volunteer Application. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access this file. If you do not have Adobe, click here to download your free copy.

Application forms can also obtained by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at
(301) 934-1268 or email: volunteer@hospiceofcharlescounty.org.

Once you complete the application and turn it into hospice, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to set up an interview.

2. Show proof of automobile insurance

3. Pass a background check

4. Successfully complete the volunteer training program.

Volunteer Training

The 30 hours of specialized training includes:

• Introduction to the hospice philosophy, history, programs, organization and how you fit into the team concept.
• Progression of the disease process and terminal illness. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a dying patient and what you can do for the patient.
• Sexual abuse and harassment issues.
• Understanding the family dynamics and how death affects the family, plus how the hospice staff may assist in this process.
• How much support you can expect, risk of burnout, how much time volunteers are expected to give. Recognizing stress and coping with bereavement issues.
• Understanding the duties and responsibilities of a volunteer, including assignments, record keeping and reporting, dress, etiquette, corporate compliance, ethics, communication, applicable laws and HIPAA confidentiality.
• The importance of the patient’s “Bill of Rights” and understanding the myths and barriers of effective pain control.
• Understanding safety issues, including open wounds or sores, TB, proper lifting and medical issues as they relate to the hospice volunteer.

One Year Rule

We recommend that everyone wait at least one year following the death of a loved one before becoming a hospice volunteer. Dealing with your own grief takes time and you need to heal emotionally before being able to help others in their time of need.

To find out when the next volunteer training begins: click here to go to the calendar of events or e-mail the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@hospiceofcharlescounty.org
 or call (301) 934-1268.

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Marilyn Marchant-Weaver for her able
assistance and expertise in creating the official web site for Hospice of Charles County.

Hospice of Charles County, Inc.
105 LaGrange Avenue PO Box 1703 La Plata, MD 20646
Local 301-934-1268 Fax 301-934-6437 Hearing Impaired 1-800-735-2258 Toll Free 888-934-1268

All content ©2001-2004 by Hospice of Charles County, Inc.