It’s that time of year again for our Annual Volunteer Check-ins! As a valued member of our volunteer team, we want to ensure that you are up to date in training and are supported in your role. At this time, we would like to ask you to book your annual check-in using our online booking system. Please note we are required to do annual check-ins with all volunteers, regardless of your volunteer status (active or on hold). While we prefer to meet you in person, we understand certain circumstances do not allow that, please connect with Madison to schedule a virtual meeting.
Annual Check-In's
We strive to provide the best support possible by adhering to the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) accreditation standards. For those who did not know, Hospice Orillia is accredited by HPCO, which means we provide exceptional support to not only our community but also to our volunteers. Conducting these check-ins also means we are continuing to provide the best possible support to our volunteers and helps us to maintain our accreditation status.
We want to ensure you’re equipped to continue supporting those in need, and these check-ins do just that! To book your time slot please use the button below. The online platform allows you to effortlessly browse available slots, select your preferred date and time, and confirm your check-in with just a few clicks. Our system is not only about convenience for volunteers; it also empowers our team to efficiently manage their bookings!
If you don’t see a time that works for you, please reach out to Madison at madison@hospiceorillia.ca, or by phone at 705-325-0505 ext. 208. Thank you for everything you do to help Hospice Orillia support the community, we would not be able to do it without our volunteers!
Monthly Volunteer Hours
Please submit the number of volunteer hours you worked by the 3rd of each month. Please submit your hours using the Volunteer Portal OR the Online Submission Form. To submit your hours using the new Volunteer Portal, please click the ‘Volunteer Portal’, if you have any difficulties please use the old method of submission by clicking on the “Old Submission Form”.
Monthly Volunteer Education
At Hospice Orillia, providing our volunteers with meaningful learning opportunities is something we pride ourselves on. In order to ensure all volunteers have access to meaningful education opportunities, we will feature a new topic at the beginning of each month. These will range from articles to podcasts to virtual TED Talks to opportunities within the community. We hope you will find the chosen topics to be enlightening! If you want to learn about anything specifically, please email Madison at madison@hospiceorillia.ca or call her at 705-325-0505 x 208.
Pain and Dementia
Pain can have a significant impact on people with dementia. People with dementia may have difficulty communicating their pain due to cognitive impairment, leading to underreporting and inadequate treatment. Behavioural changes, such as agitation or aggression, may be the only indication of pain. Additionally, pain can worsen existing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, making the condition more challenging to manage. It can also lead to further decline in cognitive function and overall quality of life. This month, we will be looking at how pain affects people with dementia!
Perinatal Awareness Month
Perinatal refers to the period before and after childbirth, typically spanning the weeks before and after the baby’s birth. Perinatal care involves monitoring the health and well-being of the mother and baby during pregnancy, labour, and delivery, as well as in the immediate postpartum period. This month is Perinatal Awareness Month, as well as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day on October 15th. This month, we will be spreading awareness to Perinatal….
MAID
During Hospice Orillia’s annual volunteer check-ins, we asked what you would like to learn more about. We received quite a few questions about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). This medical procedure allows eligible patients to request and receive assistance to end their lives peacefully and painlessly. This option is available to individuals who are suffering from a medical condition that causes enduring and intolerable suffering. To qualify for MAID, patients must meet specific criteria and undergo a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals. For more information on MAID, please see the links below!
A Palliative Approach to Care
A palliative approach to care is a crucial aspect of managing life-limiting illnesses, aiming to provide relief from the symptoms and stress that come with the condition. This approach focuses on improving the overall quality of life for patients, as well as providing support to their families. It involves an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patients. Palliative care can be provided alongside primary treatment and can be offered at any stage of an illness, not just at the end of life. It is important to know that palliative care is not the same as hospice care, as it can be provided at any point during an illness, not just in the final stages.
As you know, everyone grieves differently, processes differently, and feels differently. You will never know how you will grieve, process, and feel until you have lost a loved one, and there is never “getting over” the grief you feel. This link will teach you about anticipatory grief, understanding grief, and self-care!