Hospice volunteer pre-screening set before July 5, training begins July 17

AUBURN — Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice has scheduled its next session of specialized training for volunteers, who wish to visit hospice patients in their homes or nursing facilities, at our Hospice House and at the Togus Veterans Affairs Hospital in Augusta. While the agency typically offers the 20-hour training program over three weeks, this summer session, which begins July 17, will be completed in a week.

“We have heard in the past from some volunteers that a more compressed training schedule would have been more convenient for them,” said Kristen McEvoy, director of volunteer resources. “We hope this training option is attractive to those who want to complete the training and still have plenty of time to enjoy summer in Maine.”

Hospice volunteer opportunities are available across the agency’s service area, which includes all of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, northern Cumberland County, and parts of Kennebec, Sagadahoc and Somerset counties.

After completing training, volunteers will be able to provide companionship visits with hospice patients and their families. Along with those who plan to visit patients, volunteers may also choose to assist in other ways, such as providing transportation to medical appointments or running errands for groceries or medication.

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice is seeking volunteers who can commit to at least two hours per week for the next year to serve as hospice volunteers. Military veterans are also needed to support AHCH’s Veteran-to-Veteran program, which includes options for special recognition of military service when requested.
AHCH provides this training, a background check and tuberculosis testing at no cost to volunteers. Those interested in the training must call 207-795-9580 or 1-800-482-7412, ext. 1280, to schedule a brief phone screening by July 5.