OTHER SERVICES

HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS of NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT

Hospice Volunteers of Northwest Connecticut was established in 1982 to provide services for people with a terminal illness. Trained volunteers help individuals and their families cope with the physical, spiritual and psychological demands of death and dying. The program serves Northwest Connecticut and neighboring areas of New York. All services are provided free of charge, in the patient’s home or in a nursing home or hospital setting. Hospice Volunteers of Northwest Connecticut provides trained volunteers who are dedicated to:

• Helping each patient live as completely and comfortably as possible
• Aiding and supporting the family in the role of primary caregiver
• Providing a variety of services including transportation, companionship, and emotional support
• Assisting with shopping and other household chores to relieve the primary caregiver

Services of Hospice Volunteers of Northwest Connecticut include:

• Practical and supportive volunteer assistance, enabling the patient to stay at home as long as possible
• Coordination and supplementation of existing community health and social services, working with the team of patient, family, physician, visiting nurse, clergy, social worker, and home health care aides
• Bereavement support for families and friends

Hospice Volunteers of Northwest Connecticut provides:

• Special training for its selected volunteers
• Community education programs

The program is supported by memorial gifts and by donations from individuals, churches, businesses and foundations.

New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Hospice Coordinator Donna DiMartino, RN, MSN, CHPN, at 860-364-1796 (phone), 860-364-9830 (fax), or by e-mail at hospicenw@umh.org.