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spring 2007 |
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h
e a l t h P R O M O T I O N
VON offers
palliative care volunteer program
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Are you aware of patients,
families or caregivers coping with a life-threatening illness? If yes,
the VON can help.
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By VON Staff |
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Are you aware of patients, families or
caregivers coping with a life-threatening illness? If yes, we can
help.
The
Victorian Order of Nurses, St. John’s branch, offers a “Palliative
Care Volunteer Program” for patients, families and/or caregivers who are
coping with a life-threatening illness. Examples of these illnesses
could include: cancer, renal disease, COPD, cardiac disease, AIDS,
Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS or complications related to
Alzheimer’s disease and others. The aim of the program is to provide
comfort and dignity to individuals and their families by providing
volunteers trained in dealing with illness, death and bereavement.
Volunteer Training
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Volunteers are required to attend an
intensive 30-hour training program during which a variety of
community professionals contribute their skills and expertise
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Volunteers come from a variety of
backgrounds and are carefully screened
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Volunteers are sensitive; concerned
for others, have good communication skills and a willingness to be
of service.
Program Benefits
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Lends support – volunteers offer a
listening ear when the individual and family first learns of the
diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, and on an ongoing basis, as
well as support in time of crisis and grief
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Designed to alleviate suffering
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Provides respite for caregivers
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Offers bereavement visits or calls on
a one-to-one basis
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Volunteers complement and enhance
professional care.
Referrals
Referrals to the program can be made by
anyone (client, family, friend, health care professional, etc.) The
Program Coordinator will arrange an interview and match a volunteer to
the services required.
Where Do People Receive This Service?
This service is provided in the
individual’s home. The day and time of visiting is flexible according to
the needs of the individual, family and/or caregivers.
Program Service Fees
There is NO fee for any services offered
by the VON Palliative Care Volunteer Program. Donations, fundraising and
memoriams support the program.
For further information please email
Patricia Nugent,
Coordinator, Victorian Order of Nurses or phone (709) 726-8597.
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