Volunteer Network

Trained volunteers: Making a big difference

Center for Hospice Care has one of the most extensive volunteer networks in the region, with more than 140 people involved. They are a key to how we extend our services into the New London community.

Here is an overview of the three areas of service they provide.

Patient Care

Companionship: Our volunteers spend time with patients sharing interests, reading, listening to music, and simply being present.

Giving the primary caregiver a break: This can provide a needed respite for family members and caregivers.

Emotional support: Volunteers provide a calming and reassuring presence during challenging times.

Transportation: Patient transportation for medical appointments is provided when deemed safe and appropriate by the primary care nurse.

Meal preparation and household chores: While not a primary duty, occasional household duties may be handled.

Errands: Picking up and delivering pharmacy supplies or groceries are among volunteer duties.

Vigil: During late and difficult hours, volunteers are willing to stay with a patient, ensuring that no one dies alone.

Pet Therapy

Reducing loneliness and depression: Pet Therapy is proven to help alleviate isolation and sorrow and lower blood pressure.

A welcome distraction: Pet therapy can break the cycle of worry and challenge in daily life.

Unconditional support: Dogs pay no attention to illness. They only want to be in the present moment with people.

Complementary Therapies

Center for Hospice Care maintains a qualified group of volunteer therapists in these areas:

• Therapeutic massage. This is proven to ease muscular pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
• Reiki. The Japanese practice using simple hands-on and visualization techniques to restore the flow of life energy.
• Reflexology. A method of relieving pain by applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands.
• Energy work. A term that refers to several therapies, each intended to restore the harmonious flow of life energy through the body.

Physician-approval required. The above services are free under Center for Hospice Care but must be authorized by the patient’s physician.