Volunteers with the Pontiac Hospital’s palliative care unit were treated to a sugar shack breakfast at Pine Lodge on Friday morning as a thank-you for their work over the past year.
There are 28 people who give their time to supporting families with loved ones in this unit. Shifts cover seven days a week, three shifts per day.
Palliative care volunteers, who receive a training course and must complete a background check with the health authority before being allowed in the hospital, are there as an aid to the patients and do many things including getting them water, blankets, food, or just giving them a hand to hold as their days grow dim.
Certain volunteers can also play a role in medically-assisted death procedures by helping family members grieve.
“So we have excellent coverage for our unit, and they’re very appreciated by us and by the families and the users of this service,” said Kaara Brown, CISSSO’s Pontiac head of volunteer services, adding that she is working towards having palliative care volunteers in CISSSO’s three Pontiac nursing homes as well.
CISSSO’s Pontiac director Nicole Boucher-Larivière said the public health network also invites people to volunteer for units other than palliative care.
“We have patients who are [in the hospital but] not in active care, they’re just waiting for a place in their nursing home,” she said, adding these people would benefit from visitors too.
“You also don’t always have to be with the patient. I have an aunt who said she wasn’t very good with people, she’s very shy, but she’d come in and decorate the Christmas trees,” she offered as an example. “That’s still volunteering and you’re still making a difference. So there’s something for everybody. If anybody has an idea we’re ready to look at it. If it increases the quality of life of anybody, hey we’re all in.”
Those interested in volunteering at the Pontiac Hospital or long-term care homes can get in touch by emailing 07.Benevolat@ssss.gouv.qc.ca or calling 819-647-3851 ext. 252230.
