Hospice agency seeks care companion volunteers in Elgin area

Volunteer in your community and set your own schedule! JourneyCare is looking for volunteers to visit patients in their homes (private residences and/or senior living communities) in the Elgin area.

A Care Companion is simply a friend who visits (on a routine or occasional basis) with someone receiving hospice care. The provide companionship, emotional support, and, above all, offer a presence, an ear to listen to stories and an understanding smile. You do not provide hands-on medical care - you're just a friend because often our patients can feel lonely and isolated!

Care Companions also provide respite support so tired, stressed caregivers can take a much-needed break. JourneyCare supports pediatric patients as well and also needs volunteers who can support those families, perhaps by spending time with the patient's siblings.

JourneyCare's service area includes 10 counties and they are in great need of volunteers in the Elgin area.

Join one of the monthly volunteer orientations to learn more! At these 4-hour trainings, they cover the following: "Hospice 101," overview of JourneyCare, "Our Services and How You Can Help," "Customer Service," "Patients' Rights/HIPAA," and "Infection Control."

You also will have an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a panel of current JourneyCare volunteers. After the training, they also require some online courses, which will help you to feel more prepared for this role.

Please fill out the volunteer application and register for this class at journeycare.org/volunteer/apply-volunteer/.