PEOLC volunteers are an important part of the Palliative and End-of-Life Care team (PEOLC) healthcare team. PEOLC focuses on meeting the needs of patients and families receiving palliative and end-of-life care.
What does a PEOLC volunteer do?
PEOLC volunteers work with both adult and pediatric patients and their families in many settings, such as hospitals, hospices, and the home. What volunteers do depends on where the care is given and what’s needed. They may help patients with practical needs, such as helping around the house, companionship, family support, planning recreational activities, even helping plan and run special events.
Whether a volunteer caring for someone at the bedside, or involved with a palliative care organization, there's something for everyone.
Why do people choose to be a PEOLC volunteer?
Most volunteers will tell you it’s because they find it so rewarding. Eunice says, "I may be retired from work now, but I'm not retired from life." She chooses to volunteer because she’s willing and able to be with patients and families at a challenging time in their life journey.
The last good thing that may happen in a person’s life is a PEOLC volunteer
Jim spends 1 morning each week in the office mailing out bereavement support materials and helping organize annual memorial services. Jim appreciates the continuing education he receives, as it helps him reach out to people, not just for his volunteer work but also in his everyday life.
Read about Mary, a volunteer who helped a family cope with a life-limiting illness.
What training do PEOLC volunteers get?
PEOLC volunteers get the training and support they need to feel supported and competent to carry out their responsibilities. Volunteers are never asked to do anything they don’t feel ready or comfortable to do.
The PEOLC team has created standardized training materials to help train all new volunteers. For a copy, contact:
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How do I become a PEOLC volunteer?
If you are interested in becoming a PEOLC volunteer, email Palliative.care@albertahealthservices.ca.
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