Volunteers play a very significant part as a member of the Hospice Care team; at times serving as a connection between patient/family and the hospice staff; at other times, being a well-trained friend who doesn't abandon the patient; and sometimes, a listening ear and/or welcome friend providing much-needed temporary relief and rest for the caregiver.

Volunteers provide a variety of services, depending on desires, abilities and interests. Hospice Care has a program for recruiting, training, placing, supervising and evaluating volunteers, which is under the direction of the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers will receive training through a 16-20 hour course which is extended over a period of 3 or 4 weeks.

There are "Direct Service" and "Non-Direct Service" volunteers.

NON-DIRECT VOLUNTEERS
These are people who do not give direct service to patients, but want to help in other ways, such as: assist with recruiting; help with fund raising; office work; telephoning; carpenters; cutting grass; light household tasks; grocery shopping and transportation services.

DIRECT SERVICE VOLUNTEERS
These are volunteers who visit with patients in their homes. Hospice direct service volunteers are generally warm, caring persons with non-judgmental attitudes and a willingness to help others by: offering companionship, reading, visiting, providing a meal, giving caregivers an opportunity to rest, shop or play.

For more information or to volunteer call or write:
Hospice Care
St. John's Hospital - Berryville
214 Carter Street
Berryville, Arkansas 72616
Phone: 870/423-5272 or 870/423-5255