My name is Marilyn Baker, and I have horrible allergies. I’m 42 years old and have been suffering from allergies since I was a child. I have seasonal and environmental allergies. Allergies plague me year round. When I was young, my parents even moved to a dryer area in the hope of helping me. Over the past eight years, I have done extensive research both through doctors and online. I have managed to come up with some combinations that have helped me a great deal. My allergies aren’t gone, but they have become manageable. I do have to have allergy shots, but I also use some natural remedies. I am happy to be able to share my findings with you here on my blog. I hope you can find some of this of value.
Palliative care is essential for those who are going through a terminal illness. It is an extremely difficult time for these patients and their caregivers, and you can help by volunteering your time and skills. If the idea of helping those who are going through a terminal illness appeals to you and you are interested in volunteering then there are a few things you will need to bear in mind before you get started.
Your background will be checked
A thorough background check is usually performed on volunteers in order to ensure that palliative care patients are not exposed to unscrupulous people during the most sensitive time of their lives. If you do not have a clean criminal record, you may not be considered for this kind of volunteering. You must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer, and you will be given training to help you to further understand palliative care and your role as a volunteer.
Respect the spiritual and religious beliefs of patients
Since dying provokes so many sensitive emotions in both the patient and their families, palliative care volunteers need to exercise sensitivity at all times. Dying often brings spiritual and religious beliefs to the forefront, and it is important that you respect the patient's beliefs even if they differ from your own.
Choose where you volunteer
Palliative care volunteers can work in hospices, hospitals or homes. However, with so many palliative care patients choosing to have their final care at home, volunteers who are able to give in home service are highly valued.
Be flexible
Often volunteers are asked to sign up for a certain amount of time by some organizations. This time period varies and can last for up to a year. During this time it is possible that you will be assigned to many different patients and not just one. You may also be asked to assist with the palliative care of children even if you signed up to help adult palliative care patients. In general, you should be flexible and open to helping several people who may differ greatly in age.
Volunteering for palliative care is one of the most essential services you can provide. In order to be a good volunteer you will need to have a lot of patience and understanding. Volunteering has its challenges but it is an experience that enriches the life of both the volunteer and the patient.
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