LEWISTON – Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice is seeking individuals who live in the Farmington, Oxford and Bridgton areas to become visiting and/or grocery shopping volunteers. People wanting to participate must preregister by calling 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412 or e-mail [email protected].

Both of these volunteer-provided services enable homebound patients to retain their independence and enhance their quality of life. These volunteers traditionally provide between two and four hours per week of their time, to enrich another person’s life at a critical time.

For either of these volunteer positions, AHCH provides a three-hour training class so volunteers can start helping patients with confidence. Training classes for Visiting and Grocery Volunteers are starting soon.

In Oxford, classes will start at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the AHCH Office, 127 Pottle Road. Snow date is 1 p.m. Thursday, March 18. In Wilton, classes will start at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, at the AHCH Office, 75 Allen St. Snow date is 1 p.m. Thursday, March 25.

Visiting volunteers provide companionship and support to patients who are at home, recovering from an illness. Some visiting volunteers also provide needed transportation for patients, perhaps to doctor appointments. Grocery volunteers pick up and deliver groceries to homebound patients. Both of these volunteer roles provide support to patient but do not involve direct or hands-on care.