LEWISTON — Volunteer support has been an integral part of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s services for 40 years. The program is now widely recognized as one of the most extensive, nonprofit, home health care volunteer programs in Maine.

“When I became a volunteer, I never realized what a big impact it would have on my life,” said Bob Oliver, volunteer for Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice. “I started to look at life through the eyes of the caregiver and patient. I then realized just how much a couple of hours of my time were worth to someone else. I love this work.”

Volunteer opportunities include visiting patients on home care or hospice services, providing respite for caregivers, bereavement support and facilitating grief groups, Hospice House greeters, patient support and kitchen work, grocery shopping and medication pickup, transportation and office work. Volunteers specializing in complementary therapies such as pet therapy, Reiki, massage, music and art are also welcome.

Hospice Volunteer Training will be held in the Augusta area beginning Feb. 2. The next six-session training will be held at Maine General Hospital, 35 Medical Center Parkway, third floor, Room 2 3501.

Training will focus on in-home hospice volunteer, veteran volunteers and anyone interested in visiting veterans at the VA-Togus facility.

General Volunteer Training will be held Jan. 23 and Feb. 4 at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Lewiston office on 15 Strawberry Ave. All classes are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All trainings are provided to the community at no cost. To register for one of these trainings or for additional information, contact Volunteer Services at 795-9580 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1280.

For more information on Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice and all of their services, visit www.AHCH.org.