The Westlock and District Palliative Care Society is calling on the community for more volunteers.
After receiving a $2,000 donation from the Westlock Elks Lodge, which is close to half the non-profit’s annual budget, society president Linda Saunders said they’re working on upgrades for “Serenity Place” where families can stay with their loved ones in the hospital.
“It’s designed to be a room for those families or friends who have someone in hospital that’s gravely ill,” she said. “It can host up to four and five adults and a couple children. It’s a place of respite, where children can watch movies, complete puzzles and read while parents visit their relatives.
“Right now the room doesn’t have access to drinking water, so one of the things we’re hoping to purchase for it is a water cooler. We’re also looking to get a Smart TV because the hospital is going to have WiFi in March.”
Saunders said volunteers are chiefly there to provide emotional and social support and aren’t involved in the actual patient care or nursing. In January, seven volunteers put in 112 hours of visiting and training.
“It’s about developing a relationship much sooner, so that when someone is at the end of life someone can be there with them as they are at the end,” she said. “They are just there to be a companion. It’s part of being a caring community. It’s not just for patients, but providing support for family members as well.”
She added they’re always looking for more volunteers to help support patients who don’t expect to come out of the hospital.
Volunteers can start right away and will get training in various aspects of palliative care over the course of the year. All volunteers must complete a police record check and a vulnerable persons check.
“We teach eight modules, one every month,” said Saunders. “Once they’re signed up, they can be assigned to a training session. Often when first assigned, you might just do a group activity like a birthday party so they can get the lay of the land. Then volunteers will be assigned to one-to-one. We don’t just push people to immediately sit with someone who’s dying. We have a much gentler approach.”
Modules are taught each month except December, when the society hosts “Blue Christmas” at the Westlock Funeral Home — a memorial service for families and volunteers to remember people who have passed beyond the veil. That is held on the second Sunday of the month.
“We’ve made a pact to have it on a certain date so there isn’t as many questions,” she said. “It’s for anyone who needs support during the holidays, not just dealing with a death, but also support for dealing with a loss of job, marriage, home, you name it.
“December is a tough time, it can be a real rough time for people who have lost people in previous years.”
Saunders noted the society also provides funding for palliative care education to healthcare providers on top of its volunteer duties.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the society can call Saunders at 780-349-4643.
