There are moments when simply being present with another person can be a profound act of care.
Christian Health Care Center is seeking Sacred Transitions volunteers to support residents receiving end-of-life and hospice care. For people in North Whatcom County interested in hospice volunteering, Sacred Transitions offers an opportunity to serve close to home.
Some CHCC residents have family and friends nearby who can be with them during their final hours. Others may have loved ones who live far away or no one locally who can be by their side. Sacred Transitions volunteers help ensure that residents do not have to spend their final hours alone unless that is their preference.
What to expect as a hospice volunteer
The role is non-medical. CHCC has a team of end-of-life care professionals who monitor residents and address their medical needs. Sacred Transitions volunteers are there to offer a caring, supportive presence. They may sit quietly at a resident’s bedside, read aloud, play soft music, hold their hand or simply be present.
A resident may be alert and able to interact, or they may no longer be able to respond or communicate. Either way, volunteers and staff who have been present during a person’s final hours often describe the experience as an honor.
Sacred Transitions volunteers receive specialized training and are contacted as needs arise. No medical or hospice care experience is required. What matters most is being dependable, comfortable with quiet moments and able to offer a calm, peaceful presence.
How to become a Sacred Transitions volunteer
For someone who feels called to be there for a person who might otherwise be alone, Sacred Transitions offers a meaningful way to serve individuals and families in North Whatcom County.
Click here to learn more about Sacred Transitions and hospice volunteering at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Washington.