National Volunteer month in the United States is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism. At the VNA, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that volunteers are at the heart of our organization and a key resource – and we thank all of them profusely. More than 400 dedicated individuals generously donate their time and talent to assist in various areas of the VNA. Whether it is providing an extra hand in the VNA Hospice House, assisting around the office, providing support in our Hidden Treasure Thrift Store, or of course spending quality time with patients and helping them in a variety of ways, volunteers are integral to our organization.
“VNA volunteers play a critical role in carrying out our mission of providing the highest quality patient care at all times. They gift patients and families with the most valuable commodities of time, talent and presence. We know that they have hundreds of deserving organizations to choose from, and they choose to serve the VNA. It’s an incredible honor to serve alongside this impressive group of individuals, our VNA volunteers,” says Sara Bumgarner, VNA Director of Volunteers.
If you are thinking about volunteering with the VNA, below are some ways to do that:
Vigil Volunteers
These volunteers provide comfort, compassion and support to families during the final 24 to 48 hours of a patient’s life, often the time when families need reassurance from a volunteer; sitting with a patient and holding a hand can help. Our Vigil Volunteers receive additional training to prepare them for this role.
VNA Hospice House Volunteers
Volunteer roles at the VNA Hospice House include serving as patient companions and family liaisons as well as assisting with kitchen duties, administrative support and entertainment.
VNA Hidden Treasures Thrift Store Volunteers
VNA Hidden Treasures Thrift Store, whose proceeds help VNA Hospice provide care for Indian River County patients with life-limiting illnesses and support the day-to-day operating expenses of the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, relies on volunteers to help support its daily activities. Responsibilities include sorting through donations, tagging merchandise, running the cash register and assisting customers.
Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers
The Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program pairs recruited veteran volunteers with hospice patients who have been identified as veterans. Once paired with hospice patients who also have military experience, veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each patient thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.
Once again, a big thank you to all of our wonderful VNA volunteers! And if you’re interested in joining the VNA family as a volunteer, please visit www.vnatc.com/volunteer
.
Home Health
Let’s Thank Our Occupational Therapists
April is Occupational Therapy Month, the perfect time to thank the more than 230,000 occupational therapists in the United States for the important work they do. Of course, this is
Visiting Nurse Association
04/12/2024
