Community Hospice of Schenectady has created an evening and weekend volunteer training program to accommodate Union staff, faculty, and students interested not only in local hospice volunteer efforts, but in possible service opportunities.
“Students interested in Hospice service learning experiences next year would benefit from this training,” said Therese A. McCarty, dean of the faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs. She noted that expanded service opportunities involving Hospice may include student travel to Africa for research and hospice work.
The local training program will be offered this fall and is only offered once a year. An informational meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Community Hospice, 1411 Union Street. The meeting will provide an overview of the 25-hour training, set for five days in October (Oct. 15, 17, 22 and 24, 5- 9:30 pm., and Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).
Union volunteers have had a strong presence in Community Hospice since it began. Today, dozens of students, faculty and staff take the training program and in-service training sessions. Most years, between five and 10 Union Hospice volunteers provide care to the terminally ill. They offer companionship and support for patients and their families at home; visit Hospice patients in hospitals and nursing homes; and provide clerical, courier and other help.
Carol Weisse, professor of Psychology and director of the Health Professions Program at Union, trained as a hospice volunteer seven years ago. “I can honestly say it has been a life-altering experience,” said Weisse. “Spending time with people during their last few months, days and even hours makes you think deeply about your own life and how to live life more fully.”
For more information about the training program, call the Hospice office at 377-8846. Weisse is also available to speak about her experiences as a volunteer (ext. 6300 or weissec@union.edu).