Hospice volunteer training scheduled for September

Sussex County - Volunteer training classes for those who are interested in the hospice philosophy of care or who wish to explore elements of death, dying and bereavement will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 6 and concluding Monday, Oct. 2. Classes will be conducted at the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice on Sparta Avenue in Newton. Hospice professionals, formally trained in the issues presented, teach the various sessions. Topics include patient care, cancer concepts, pain control and nutritional concerns, family system, aging, listening and communication skills, spirituality, ethics, death, dying and bereavement. Upon completion of the course, participants are Certified Hospice Volunteers and can work in their communities and establish their own schedules. In addition, they may choose which services they are willing to provide for the organization. Hospice volunteers are an integral part of an extended support system assisting the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice professional team in caring for terminally ill patients and their families. They offer companionship and emotional support or provide respite for family care givers. The purpose is to encourage quality of life in the home for the entire family while providing palliative care for the patient. For information, call (973)383-0115.