On the contrary, hospice work is both fulfilling and rewarding. All that’s needed is the correct type of training and support, says Holistic Entrepreneur, Marisa Wollheim, a dedicated and passionate trainer with more than two decades of experience in hospice care.
For Marisa, hospice teaches us how to live with the realities of life, loss, death and grief. She will be sharing her knowledge and insight when she facilitates a comprehensive Caregiver Training Course in October at Stepping Stone Hospice in New Market Park, Alberton.
An independent, community-driven organisation and the first-ever service of its kind in the Greater Alberton area of Ekurhuleni, Stepping Stone Hospice provides specialist palliative care to people experiencing the impact of life-threatening illness. “We aim to meet their physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs, and also support their families through this experience and bring solace to those grieving the death of a loved one,” explains Stepping Stone Hospice CEO, Tersia Burger. “Our palliative care is offered by a team of doctors, professional nurses, therapists, social workers, spiritual counsellors and volunteers.”
The Introduction to Caregiving – Module 1, will run from 6 to 9 October 2015 from 09:00 to 16:00 each day at a cost of R500 per attendee for the course. A host of topics will be covered, including:
- What is a Hospice
- Basic Self Awareness
- Communication, Counselling and Life Skills
- Stages of Loss (including understanding loss and how it affects us)
- Dynamics of Death and Dying
- Grief, Empathy and Bereavement
- The Power of Choice and Attitude
- Holistic Care and Living
There are several ongoing ‘supportive’ duties at Stepping Stone Hospice and volunteers are welcomed in areas such as fundraising and events; home-based care; catering; collections and deliveries; administration and phone duty, as well as housekeeping and maintenance. No previous palliative care or counselling experience is required, unless you want to become a care worker or bereavement counsellor. A commitment of 4-5 hours per week of your time is recommended to help ensure that you become an active part of a very dedicated team.
Says Marisa: “Whether you decide, by the end of the course, to take the plunge and become a hospice volunteer or not, this journey of learning and understanding is sure to change your life!”
For more information and applications for the Caregiver Training Course, contact Jane Garcia at Stepping Stone Hospice on 087 997 0222 or email info@steppingstonehospice.co.za. Please note, applications close on 30 September 2015.