Larry O’Toole, a volunteer with RHHC for several years, feels that volunteering, “absolutely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, has changed [his] life.”
“People say it must be sad, but I want them to know it isn’t," said O'Toole. "It's very powerful and fulfilling.”
Volunteers, who operate on a flexible schedule, don't provide medical or personal care. They are matched with patients according to their interests and personalities, and consistently report that their time spent volunteering is rewarding
Military veteran volunteers are especially needed as part of RHHC’s participation in the We Honor Veterans program, which works to pair veteran volunteers with veteran patients. The bond between those who have served their country can promote life review and healing.
Volunteers are provided with comprehensive training that equips them to effectively and comfortably help those in need. The next Family Support Volunteer Training takes place at the Center over the following four days:
- Monday, Sept. 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“The last good thing a person may have happen to them is a hospice volunteer,” said Mary Beth Hickey, Volunteer Director. Hickey has connected thousands of volunteers with patients and sees firsthand the powerful impact that a caring volunteer has at the end of a person’s life.
Volunteers should fill out an application online, and for more information, contact Mary Beth Hickey, Volunteer Director at (203) 702-7415 or MHickey@RegionalHospiceCT.org.