July 5, 2007

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in need of volunteers

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of the San Francisco Bay Area is in need of hospice volunteers to spend time with patients at the end of life and their families. Hospice volunteers provide a listening ear and a warm and caring presence during a critical time in life. Volunteers are trained in communication skills, family dynamics and how to affect patients and their caregivers positively.

After volunteers complete the required training they are prepared to visit VITAS patients in their homes – whether the home is a private residence, assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility – to provide respite for caregivers, offer companionship for the patient, run errands and help in other meaningful ways. Volunteers are needed in all areas of Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Assignments are made according to the volunteer’s location preference and work and family schedules.

For those interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, VITAS is holding a volunteer orientation class on Saturday July 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The orientation class will be held at the Office of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of the San Francisco Bay Area, located on 39899 Balentine Dr., Suite 161, in Newark. Training materials and meals are provided at no charge to volunteers.

For more information on the program or to register for an orientation class please call Blake Mueller at (866) 268-4827.

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care is the nation’s largest provider of end-of-life care. A pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, VITAS has been caring for the terminally ill and their families in San Francisco since 2002.