Remember when you would return to school after summer vacation and it was inevitable that the teacher would want you to write "How I Spent My Summer Vacation." You would hear about trips to Grandma's or Aunt Mary's, the trip to the lake the or the ocean, the visits from the relatives, an occasional trip to summer camp - the usual array of fun things that kids could do in the summer. Things are different now , times have definitely changed. Many of us have evolved into adults with year long jobs and
don't have the luxury of a summer off - oh those were the days!
Many things slow down in the summer, the seasonal visitors are gone and the pace can be a little slower. The Volunteer Department
at Treasure Coast Hospice is a little more quiet these days
as many of our volunteers are seasonal residents and have gone home for the summer, however our daily operations continue at our regular pace...sometimes even faster!We still have patients and families to care for, we have daily tasks to perform, and still have a great need for volunteers. Patient visitors are our greatest need, especially in the Fort Pierce area.
Many of our volunteers contribute 2-4 a week, more if possible - every bit helps.
Our Patient Visitor Volunteers visit patients in their homes, nursing homes, and at our
Hospice House. Volunteers provide emotional support as well as socialization to a patient that may have limited or no family; or need socialization. Volunteers also provide respite for the caregiver by staying with a
patient while their caregiver runs an errand, attends an appointment, or takes a little break. We have many Hospice patients, in area nursing facilities,
who have few or no visitors. Our Patient Visitors provide the additional support that is often needed in stressful situations.
Patient Visitor Volunteers need not have special medical training. All you need is a kind heart, compassion, and 2-4or more hours a week to spare.
Volunteering can change a life - maybe even your own. Volunteering is a beneficial way to spend 2- 4 spare extra hours a week. Some studies have proven that there are even health benefits in volunteering.
There are so many interesting people in the world, so many people who have accomplished so much in their life; there is so much to learn from other people. It's amazing to listen to some of the stories that our patient visitors tell.
Please join us at one of our upcoming trainings.
Our training schedule is flexible to accommodate the various needs of the community. We ask that our volunteer contribute 2 - 4 hours a week with our patient and their families - a small amount of time that can make such a huge impact.
For more information please contact Jan Novack at (772) 807-6430 or email gnovack@tchospices.org.
Treasure Coast Hospices serves an average of 600 patients in their homes, nursing homes, and Hospices Houses in Saint Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.