Interim Hospice of Coshocton in need of volunteers
Visit: Pictured are Kaydeane Bias, an Interim Hospice client, visiting with hospice volunteer Mary Green. Photo contributed to The Beacon
COSHOCTON – Mary Green has enjoyed spending time with Interim Hospice of Coshocton clients.
“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “You go in and are an ear for them and are someone for them to spend time with.”
Green currently visits with two hospice clients.
“With the one I read a lot with her and paint her fingernails and with the other I usually come in and sit and talk with her,” she said.
Interim received its hospice accreditation on May 27, 2014 and took on its first patient in June 2014. They currently have eight volunteers who visit with hospice clients, but would love to have more.
Hospice volunteers must fill out an application, have a background check, fingerprints and drug test done and complete 10-12 hours of training. They also must be at least 18-years-old and monthly education in the form of handouts must be completed.
“Volunteers should be good listeners, open, flexible and compassionate,” said Liz Hogue, CSR/Volunteer Coordinator for Interim Hospice of Coshocton.
Her goal is to have volunteers commit to one hour a week or four hours a month at the minimum. What occurs during that time is up to the volunteer and the hospice client.
“You can do light housework or cooking for them, but most have an aid or a nurse so you are usually there for companionship and can do things like play cards, share a musical talent or read,” Hogue said.
Volunteers also can come in and give family members or friends a break from caring for their loved ones or close friends.
Applications to become a hospice volunteer can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Interim in the Downtowner Plaza.
“I’ve tried to put myself in the client’s shoes and know that I would appreciate the companionship,” Green said. “Not everyone has a whole lot of family around and hospice volunteers give them a visitor to look forward to seeing.”
If you are not comfortable working one on one with hospice clients, Hogue said there also is work that can be done at Interim’s office.
For more information on volunteering, call 740-623-2331.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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