News and Events

 When: Tuesdays, April 3 – May 15 from 6:30 pm–9:00 pm

Where: Weeks Medical Center Whitefield Physician Office Conference Room located at 8 Clover Lane in Whitefield.

Northwoods Home Health & Hospice is excited to announce their annual spring Hospice Volunteer Training. The training is free and open to community members who are interested in becoming a Hospice volunteer or who would like to learn more about the philosophy of Hospice care. 

“Hospice care is provided to terminally ill patients and focuses on comfort rather than curative measures, shares Karen Lachance, Palliative Care Coordinator. “We address the medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our patients and those who care for them. Our Hospice volunteers often provide companionship which may include sharing quiet conversations, playing cards, taking walks, writing letters or reading aloud.” Volunteers may also help by providing meals, assisting with yard work and household chores, or shopping for patients and families. Hospice Volunteers also help with annual fundraising activities that include the Hospice Ball and Lobster Feast.

Along with people interested in becoming volunteers, the training is also open to anyone who would like to learn more about Hospice care and issues of death and dying for personal or professional reasons.

Some of the topics covered during the six week course include:

• The History and Philosophy of Hospice
• Ethics in Hospice Care
• Communication Skills and Family Dynamics
• Spirituality in Hospice
• Comfort Care Measures
• Signs of Impending Death
• Funerals and Rituals

The wide range of topics is to prepare volunteers for their experience in providing support to terminally ill patients and their families.  The volunteer training is offered to the public free of charge. The information shared by the various specialists is presented in an informal style that encourages participants to ask questions and share their own experiences. Participating in the training does not commit individuals to become volunteers. Participants can decide after completing the training, if they wish to continue and become Northwoods Hospice volunteers.

To register for the training or for further information, please contact Mary Bates, MS, CT, Patient Care Coordinator for Northwoods Home Health & Hospice, at 1-800-750-2366.  Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.