TROY – Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County is seeking new volunteers.

The next new volunteer orientation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 at 555 Summit Ave., Suite 101, Troy. Volunteer training is offered quarterly by the local not-for-profit hospice.

Hospice volunteers play a vital role with the interdisciplinary teams serving hospice patients and their families.

Volunteer Services Coordinator Beth Shrake said hospice volunteers must complete an application process, including references and background check before attending orientation. Volunteers of all ages and from all backgrounds are welcome.

“Volunteers give from their hearts and enable us to touch the lives of patients and families with enhanced compassion and care,” Shrake said. “They are essential to our mission of providing superior care and superior services. Among other things, our hospice volunteers serve as friendly visitors and companions, providing respite care for family members, delivering medications and supplies, creating craft items or providing beautician and barber services. Volunteers also serve as ambassadors sharing information about hospice care and in office support roles. There are a variety of opportunities so that volunteers can select the role that best suits them. ”

Volunteer training acquaints new volunteers with information on:

· History and goals of end-of-life care

· Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County history

· Role of volunteers and opportunities

· Confidentiality, infection control and safety

· Boundaries

· Effective listening

· Loss and grief

For additional information, visit http://www.hospiceofmiamicounty.org/volunteer-services/ or contact Shrake at 937-573-2115.