None residents from Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties recently completed the Hospice of Queen Anne’s 16-hour patient-family volunteer training program which, with the completion of supervised practice, qualifies them to provide emotional support and practical assistance to patients, families and caregivers.

The comprehensive training program is designed to teach volunteers how to companion a patient at the end of life and prepare them with the knowledge and skills to enhance comfort and quality of life. Trainees explore their own feelings about death and dying as they learn how to be with a patient at one of the most vulnerable times in life. Something as simple as holding a hand, playing cards or listening to music together are some of the activities patients enjoy with their volunteers.

“Volunteers bring a different perspective to the patient and family. They are vital to the hospice care team because they truly come to us with an open heart and no self-serving agenda other than the love and caring they bring just by their presence in a home,” said Sharon Loving, supervisor of support services for Hospice of Queen Anne’s.

For individuals who want to help hospice but are not interested in working directly with patients, Hospice of Queen Anne’s has a variety of non-patient related opportunities. In most cases, the patient-family volunteer training program is not required.

To enroll in volunteer training or inquire about available volunteer opportunities, contact Jennifer Thomas at 443-262-4112 or e-mail jthomas@hospiceofqueenannes.org. For additional information about hospice care, visit the website at www.hospiceofqueenannes.org.