LEWISTON – Individuals interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families can still register to participate in hospice volunteer training starting Thursday, Jan. 27.

The course, co-sponsored by Lewiston Adult Education and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on nine consecutive Thursdays through March 24 at AHCH, 15 Strawberry Ave.

The course has been scheduled to meet the increased needs of hospice patients, said Nancy Greene, volunteer coordinator for the agency.

Hospice volunteers are matched with patients in their community or in nearby towns. They support patients at home or in long-term care facilities. In addition, volunteers will be involved in various ways at the Hospice House to open next fall in Auburn.

Greene said volunteers visit patients regularly, sometimes staying for a few hours so a caregiver can get some time off. They also may be asked to do errands or meet other appropriate needs.

The AHCH hospice program covers patients in Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin and northern Cumberland counties. The goal of the hospice team, which includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers, is to enable patients to spend their last days with dignity, in comfort and in control of their care.

In hospice volunteer classes, participants learn about the needs of terminally ill patients and their families. The course covers the hospice philosophy, communications and listening skills, family dynamics, spiritual aspects of dying, grief and bereavement and additional related topics.

Characteristics of a successful hospice volunteer include being nonjudgmental and dependable, a good listener, flexible and respectful of confidentiality. Volunteers are asked to spend from two to four hours a week in support of families.

Before attending classes, prospective volunteers should call Greene at 777-7740, 795-9581 or 1-800-482-7412.