April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and Family Hospice, Part of UPMC, gratefully acknowledges the dedicated volunteers who support Family Hospice patients and family members. Volunteers provide essential comfort and compassion for patients who have life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers.
“Volunteers are an integral part of the Family Hospice team,” says Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator Carole Palmer. “Our compassionate volunteers offer empathy and companionship to both the patient and their loved ones during a difficult time. Many of our volunteers have also walked this road with their loved ones, making them the perfect person for the job! I am honored to be working with such great volunteers!”
The Centre and Mifflin Family Hospice team includes Jeannie Field of Bellefonte, Carolyn Leacy of Lewistown, Vicky Schirm of State College, Gina Shepard of Port Matilda, Carol VanOrden of Bellefonte and Dennis Wichterman of State College.
Family Hospice volunteers embrace the opportunity and privilege to support patients and their caregivers through a significant and inevitable season of life. Hospice volunteers make an impact in various ways, such as visiting with patients, providing relief for caregivers, assisting with clerical tasks as needed, making phone calls, communicating with grieving family members and more. Family Hospice is recruiting additional volunteers to join the current team.
Volunteer involvement is determined by the individual’s skills, desires and schedule. Volunteers are good listeners who display flexibility, understanding and empathy. The time commitment for a volunteer can vary from several times per month to weekly. There are differing volunteer opportunities to match the strength and availability of volunteers. Specialized training is provided for new volunteers.
For more information or to apply for serving as Family Hospice volunteer, contact Palmer by phone at 814-569-9193 or email at palmerc5@upmc.edu.
