What is hospice?
Hospice is not a place but rather a way for people to help people dealing with a life limiting illness. Most Americans would prefer to die at home but often need help and support in the end stages of life. Hospice provides that help and support.
Do hospice services cost a lot?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare at no cost to you. Hospice Volunteers of Somerset County works to provide such things as respite care for the caregivers, light housekeeping or meal preparation, running errands, writing cards or letters, etc.
What do I need to do to get services?
Help is just an e-mail or phone call away. You can e-mail our office at Director@hvosc.org or call 474-7775. Several medical hospices provide services in Somerset County:
HVOSC can place a volunteer with anyone who has a life limiting illness whether or not s/he qualifies for medical hospice.
Who can Make a referral?
You can call directly or another person such as a family member, spouse, doctor, pastor, or even a neighbor.
Who are the volunteers?
Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have taken a 24 hour training. They are caring, concerned community members who will offer emotional and physical support to you or your loved one during this stage of their journey.
How do I become a volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office. You will need to complete some paper work and we will need to do a background check. You will then be schedule for the next volunteer training class.
I’d like to help but I’m not sure that I could work directly with clients. Are there other opportunities?
Yes, we need volunteers to do a variety of things. Some examples are helping to run a support group, working on our web site, assisting with our fund raising event, office work, etc. We all have different abilities and we will find ways to use yours.
What support groups do you offer?
There are many different groups. They include a monthly group for volunteers and bereavement (loss) groups. We offer grief groups for those who have lost a loved one, as survivors of suicide support group, and a Care for the Caregivers group. Even if hospice services were not used, these groups are available to anyone in Somerset County. We also have a lending library at our office.
Do you ever provide groups in places other than your office?
Staff can provide a group for children or teens at school, if there are enough participants. Please call our office to discuss this option. Bereavement services can also be provided on a limited basis to shut-ins.