Volunteer
Training

"This training far exceeded my expectations in terms of what I learned, the staff and volunteers I met and my classmates. We have not even started our volunteering but I already feel part of a warm, warm family. Thank you for this wonderfully amazing experience!"
                                                                                        -- Participant

Caregiver  

Volunteers are the heart of Hospice Caring.  In order to responsibly serve patients and the bereaved, every volunteer caregiver must complete a three-day (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) introductory training, which is often described by graduates as a transforming experience.   The training provides information about the many aspects of the dying process and the various non-medical ways to assist the dying through their end-of-life journey.   Through lectures, guided exercises and role playing, staff and professionals present a broad range of information and skill-building instruction to new volunteers that prepares them to be one-on-one caregivers.

Caregiver Training is offered three or four times a year.  All potential direct service volunteers undergo a background check.  

We encourage you to participate in our Caregiver Training simply to explore any interest you may have in hospice work.  There is no obligation to be a caregiver upon completion of the training; in fact, there are numerous other ways to be involved with Hospice Caring, Inc. that are as equally rewarding.  See schedule below.
Caregiver Training:
call Hospice Caring, Inc. at 301-869-4673 for more information

Bereavement Volunteer may choose to facilitate adult groups, work in children's bereavement programs, or otherwise assist bereavement staff.                          

Adult Bereavement

One weekend day and two evenings of training in facilitation skills, group dynamics, and bereavement issues.  Prerequisite: Caregiver Training. Two facilitation trainings are offered each year .
Call Hospice Caring, Inc. at 301-869-4673 for more information.     

Children’s Bereavement 

A one-day training to be a Good Grief Club facilitator. Prerequisite:  Caregiver and Adult Bereavement training. Must be able to meet during school hours.  See schedule below.
Good Grief Club Training:
Be a bereavement volunteer in area schools.
Call Valerie at 301-990-8904 for more information.

Continuing Education

We provide ongoing supervision, guidance, support and continuing education for our volunteers.  They are invited to attend monthly meetings (Caregiver Support, Bereavement Support and Spirituality), a book club and social gatherings.  Volunteers are kept informed through newsletters, emails and mailings.

Upcoming Training Schedule

Caregiver Training:
call Hospice Caring, Inc. at 301-869-4673 for more information

Good Grief Club Training:
Be a bereavement volunteer in area schools.
Call Valerie at 301-990-8904 for more information.