Pet Therapy, Music & Rieki - Hospice Patients Need Your Skills!

Do you have a talent, skill or passion you are looking to share? Are you a musician, have a certified therapy dog, licensed Reiki practitioner? Are you looking to make new connections with your skills?

Join a Compassionate Team of Volunteers Providing Comfort and Care to Terminally Ill Patients. Make a Difference as a Hospice Volunteer!

Southern Maine Agency on Aging is teaming up with Hospice of Southern Maine to recruit Volunteers! Hospice of Southern Maine believes in doing everything we can to provide the highest quality of care for our patients. Striving to help each patient reach their goals at end of life, we work together to create an individualized plan of care with each of our patients. That includes support from family caregivers, loved ones, and our interdisciplinary team of clinicians...and volunteers! Join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their loved ones.

As a Hospice Volunteer, you will provide essential support to patients and their families in various settings, including private homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. We are looking for volunteers to share their skills and passions in areas such as music, reiki therapy, and pet therapy. Your involvement will be invaluable in ensuring that our patients receive the care and comfort they deserve.

Share your skills to delight and comfort terminally ill patients!

Paw Prints Pet Therapy Program:
Volunteers provide patients, families and HSM staff the opportunity to visit and interact with Therapy Dogs and experience the benefits of the human-animal bond and improve quality of life through human-animal interaction. Paw Prints volunteers work directly with the Gosnell House patients, families, and facility residents offering comfort and support through pet visitation.

Heart Strings Music Program:
Musicians who are trained hospice volunteers will play live music at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House. Musicians are not there to be performers but rather to provide a soothing presence. The musician stays out of the way and in the background. Conversations, meals, visits or rests are able to continue. Musicians will play in the family room/lobby area and will play bed side upon request.

Reiki Volunteering
To provide Reiki sessions voluntarily to hospice patients and/or caregivers who request the service. Reiki volunteer will provide two to four hours or more a month of Reiki to hospice patients requesting the service.

Training & Requirements:
-Completion of application packet
-Completion of the 30-hour Hospice Volunteer Training:Trainings are held annually in April, June, and September. Some sessions will be held virtually over Zoom while others will take place in person at our main office in Scarborough.
-Favorable background check
-Substance use testing with a negative result
-Mandatory TB Screening and immunization documentation
-CDC required immunizations
-Volunteers must complete all annual requirements
-Must be at least 18 years of age

Commitment & Schedule:
-Flexible Hours: Volunteers typically work mid-morning to early evening, with weekend availability.
-Volunteer Visits: Usually last about an hour, weekly.
-Minimum Commitment: At least one year.

Location:
Gosnell House Memorial Hospice in Scarborough, or patient's home, assisted living facilities and/or nursing homes.

Benefits for Volunteers:
-The satisfaction using your skills to helpterminally ill patients and their families and making a real, tangible difference in their lives
-Opportunity for ongoing training and learning
-connection to other caring, dedicated volunteers
-Recognition and appreciation at Southern Maine Agency on Aging and Hospice of Southern Maine volunteer events

If you're looking to share your talents in a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you can make a tangible difference in the lives terminally ill neighbors and their caregivers, we would love to have you join our team!

Contact Sothern Maine Agency on Aging Volunteer Services to get started at [email protected] or 207-396-6595.