Compassionate Companions, AKA No Person Dies Alone Program
Compassionate Companions
What is it?
Compassionate Companions is a program that offers companionship and support to patients who are nearing the end of life. Compassionate Companions provides a dignified death to individuals who have no family or close friends to sit with them at the end of life. At Maui Health, deaths occur each year within the hospital. Through this program, we can provide witness to a person's life and compassion at their passing.
Why is program important?
We can provide companionship to patients in the dying process who are alone, and in doing so, provide a gift of respect and dignity to another human being at the end of life.
This volunteer opportunity is an 'on call' opportunity. If a patient's family or close friend cannot be there, or is on the way but far away, a volunteer sits with the patient. After on-boarding as a hospital volunteer, you will go through a special training. You will be on a list to call when we are needed at the hospital to sit with a patient who is getting ready to pass. We can just sit quietly, hold their hand if you feel comfortable, record any last words of thoughts to give to give family members or friends who could not be there. We have some background music options to play if desired. The hospital Chaplin is close by if needed.
Requirement is to sit up to 4 hours, then you can continue if needed or another volunteer will be called. You can be called day or night and can tell the volunteer coordinator any times you are not available.
This is a most rewarding experience for a volunteer, and a comforting service for a person at life's end.
Give me a call at 808-280-4707 for more information or to get your on-boarding started.
Aloha, Barbara Potopowitz
