Hospice Care Association of Southern Tasmania - hospicesouthtas.com

Client & Carer Info

Hospice Care volunteers are available to support clients and their carers and families in whatever ways are helpful for them to live as fully as possible.

We can:

Stay with you while your carer has a break.
Provide companionship and support.
Help with practical tasks you might find difficult.
Help you to achieve goals that might be important to you.
Support you in hospital.
Provide gentle hand and foot massage.

We don’t do personal care, such as showers, or nursing tasks such as giving medication.
We also don’t do house-work, (other than perhaps hanging out some laundry, making a bed, or other minor jobs).

How much time do volunteers give?

Volunteers can provide up to 4 hours support per week. Mostly, people prefer to have volunteers on a regular, weekly basis, so that carers can make appointments, or maintain an ongoing commitment to another task (such as a weekly tennis game), and know that there will be someone there to look after their loved one who is sick.
For those clients who live alone, we can assist you to get your shopping done, and to get out of the house for a change of scenery if you feel well enough.
We also understand that often people feel too unwell to entertain a visitor. While we are guests in your home, we don’t expect to be entertained. Volunteers will bring a book, or other quiet activity to do if you wish to sleep or be quiet. We can be in another room but within call if you should need anything. We are there for your safety, and for the peace of mind of carers.

Who are these volunteers?

Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, and ages and backgrounds. They all complete a screening and training programme, so they have an understanding of the needs of people who are very ill, and the concerns of their carers. Many volunteers have been family care-givers, some have worked in caring roles. All are committed to providing the best supportive care they can to our clients and those who care for them.

How much will it cost?

Volunteers give their time freely, so this is a free service.

How do I get a Hospice volunteer?

You can telephone 62243808 and speak with the Coordinator. We’ll arrange a time to meet you and discuss your needs and how we might be of help. Then a volunteer will make contact with you and arrange their first visit.
Alternatively, you can ask a family member, a community health nurse, social worker, doctor or hospital staff to refer you to the service.
Any person who has a progressive, life limiting condition and who wants a volunteer is able to request our services.