The role of the client care volunteer can include:
- providing companionship and support to both the client and their carers;
- respite for the carers while they attend to other matters or take a break;
- help with simple tasks such as shopping or visits to the clinic for treatment;
- taking someone for a drive;
- writing letters, singing, reading, going crosswords and puzzles;
- watching TV together or just talking when needed;
- providing some gentle massage.
Volunteers need to be patient, flexible, non-judgmental, understanding and accepting of other people’s beliefs and values. There are no formal qualifications or previous experience necessary – only the desire to be of service to hospice clients and their families/carers, and a willingness to learn from those they serve.
Perhaps one of the most important criteria is that volunteers should be happy to BE with people and not feel they have to fix things. It is about ‘presence’.
Client care volunteers tend to assess their own suitability after reading available information, attending introductory interviews and a mandatory 6-week education program.
