Hospice at HCS

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.” 

– DAME CICELY SAUNDERS, FOUNDER OF HOSPICE

Volunteers at Hospice at HCS are key members of the Hospice team and work in conjunction with hospice nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors. Volunteers are supervised by our Volunteer Coordinator. The volunteer’s role as part of the hospice team is an important one. They give freely of their time to be with the patient and family to provide respite for caregivers, emotional support, a listening ear, as well as run errands if needed.

Comfort, Care and Support

Volunteers do not provide medical care, and they are not paid for the services they provide. Hospice volunteers visit people wherever home may be—in the person’s home, in a nursing home, or in an assisted living facility. 

Training Programs

All volunteers participate in a 21-hour training program to assist in understanding the concerns and feelings patients and families experience during the hospice journey. Volunteer trainings are generally held in three hour sessions over seven weeks in the spring and fall.

Hospice training is offered at no charge. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Lorraine Bishop at 603-352-2253 or by email at lbishop@HCSservices.org.

MEET OUR HOSPICE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR/PET PEACE OF MIND COORDINATOR

Lorraine Bishop
Lorraine BishopHospice Volunteer Coordinator/Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator

Hospice at HCS Volunteer Coordinator/Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator

Lorraine Bishop began working with Hospice in 1992 as Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator in the Peterborough area. She then became Hospice Volunteer Coordinator for the entire HCS area in 2002. In 2013, at the suggestion of a hospice volunteer, she helped to develop the HCS role in Pet Peace of Mind, a national program to support the pets of hospice families.

Lorraine especially enjoys meeting, training, and working with the wonderful hospice volunteers who offer comfort and support to countless hospice patients and their families.

ABOUT HOSPICE AT HCS

Hospice focuses on living life to the fullest while experiencing a terminal illness. At Hospice at HCS, our goal is to help the patient and family members come to terms with death as a natural part of life. Hospice at HCS provides care throughout southwestern New Hampshire, wherever people call home, including long term care and assisted living facilities.

  • Medical Director Board Certified in Hospice/Palliative Care

  • Oncology/Hospice certified nurses

  • Medical social workers

  • Physical, occupational and speech therapies

  • Home health aides and homemakers

  • Volunteers

  • Spiritual care

  • Ongoing bereavement support

Make An Appointment

For more information about Hospice Volunteer Training please contact Lorraine Bishop, Volunteer Coordinator Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services at 603-352-2253 or email lbishop@HCSservices.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friendly Meals at Keene Senior Center

March 19, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Friendly Meals at United Church of Jaffrey

March 20, 2024 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Friendly Meals at Keene Senior Center

March 20, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Caregiver Support Group – In Person

March 20, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

“My children and I cannot praise Hospice at HCS enough. They were wonderful and never wavering, always supportive and comforting. The director, aides and nurses — all so professional.”

“Hospice was a real gift to me. When I needed them most, they were there. I’m a nurse and my husband was a doctor. How lucky was I to have Hospice at HCS there to take over giving meds and taking his pulse, so I didn’t have to be his nurse. I could be his wife and just be with him.”

“Hospice at HCS thought of our every need! They explained carefully what they were going to do and why. They seemed almost like a miracle. I was amazed and have just told a friend whose husband is dying.”