Hospice seeks volunteers to help patients, families

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is looking for people who want to become volunteers to work with hospice patients and families.

Volunteers help make life easier for patients and their families so they can share their remaining time together with compassion and dignity.

Not all patients have family or friends nearby and our patient and family care volunteers provide companionship, transportation, emotional support and respite care.

Additional volunteer opportunities are available through the Life Improves with Friends in Transition program. This volunteer-based program helps those who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting disease but may not be ready for hospice care. Volunteers may run errands, prepare a meal, read a book or share stories among other helpful and caring activities.

"One of the most rewarding things a person can ever do is volunteer his or her time to help others in need," explained Jan Farrell, volunteer coordinator for Hospice.

"Our volunteers are truly, a vital part of the Hospice team."

All Hospice volunteers are specially trained and attend a comprehensive two-day volunteer training session. The next volunteer training session will be held 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 16. Volunteers must attend both sessions.

To register for training or for more information, contact Farrell at (847) 381-5599, ext. 219 or at JFarrrell@Hospice Answers.org.

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is a community based, not-for-profit organization serving families throughout McHenry, Lake, Northwest Cook, Kane, Boone and DuPage counties.

Celebrating its 25th year of service, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois provides patient care and bereavement services to all who need them, regardless of ability to pay.

Hospice of Northeastern Illinois is Medicare certified and accredited by the Joint Commission.

For more information, visit HospiceAnswers.org.