CHANS Home Health Care Hospice Care Program is offering classes for individuals interested in becoming a hospice volunteer. The 10-week volunteer training program will be held on Thursdays beginning February 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the CHANS Hospice Building located at 45 Baribeau Drive in Brunswick.

This free training prepares individuals to deal compassionately and sensitively with end-of-life issues in a volunteer capacity. The weekly training sessions will cover topics such as introduction to the hospice philosophy, ethical issues, communication, spirituality, grief and loss and other educational topics that will support the relationship between the person who is at end-of-life, family, and the volunteer.

Once the course is complete the certified hospice volunteer will be trained to offer services to a patient and their family during the last phases of life, through the CHANS Hospice Care Program. Volunteers serve as companions to the terminally ill and may be a supportive listener, run errands, and/or provide respite for caregivers.

Volunteers may also be in contact with family and friends after a loved one has died in order to provide grief support. Volunteers are supported by the hospice volunteer coordinator, the hospice volunteer community, and continuing educational offerings.

A completed application and pretraining interview is required before being admitted to the training program. Information and applications are available by contacting Margaret Zillioux, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 207-721-1271 or mzillioux@midcoasthealth.com.