Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice recently graduated nine hospice volunteers. In front from left are Doris Bernier, Vi Hurd and Donna Rowe; back, Anne Farrington, Janet Stanhope, Brenton Dowd, Peter Van Oosten and Sarah Decato.

Hospice volunteers complete training

LEWISTON – Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice recently graduated nine hospice volunteers from a 27-hour training program co-sponsored with Lewiston Adult Education.

Hospice volunteers support terminally ill patients and their families in a variety of ways – by visiting and providing companionship, giving a caregiver a break for several hours, doing errands or helping with special projects. Volunteers can support patients in their homes, in long-term care facilities and at the AHCH Hospice House in Auburn.

“Our new hospice volunteers are a wonderful group of people,” said Nancy Greene, AHCH volunteer coordinator. “In the coming months, they will have the opportunity to be an integral part of the hospice experience and truly make a difference in our community. Whether through direct involvement with families, community outreach or office support, volunteers are valuable members of the hospice team and play a critical role in the end-of-life care we provide.”

Recent graduates include Doris Bernier of Auburn, David Blocher of Litchfield, Sarah Decato of Auburn, Brenton Dowd of Mechanic Falls, Anne Farrington of Auburn, Vi Hurd of Auburn, Donna Rowe of Auburn, Janet Stanhope of Auburn and Peter Van Oosten of Greene.

Through speakers and special activities, the class curriculum explores a range of topics including the hospice philosophy, the needs of the terminally ill and their families, communication and listening skills, the impact of illness on the family, spirituality and grief and bereavement.

“The holistic approach to training, I think, is key to volunteer preparedness for hospice volunteers.The training course uses actual practitioners to present the various topics,” said Peter van Oosten, a class participant who volunteers at the AHCH Hospice House in Auburn. “Trainees are as well prepared as possible for the next step, supporting patients and families.”

The next training course will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from Jan. 26 to Feb. 23 at the Lewiston AHCH, Strawberry Avenue. For more information or to sign up for the next training, contact volunteer services at 777-7740 or 1-800-482-7412. More information about AHCH can be found at ahch.org.