Volunteer Training at Sutter Hospice

Last night I had the opportunity to assist with the excellent volunteer training at Sutter Hospice in Emeryville. Merry Steagall, the amazing volunteer coordinator there asked me the speak to volunteers about Setting Healthy Boundaries. I have given this talk in years past, and was happy to do it again. We touched on the importance of maintaining one’s own boundaries as well as respecting those of patients/clients in regard to personal space, respect for time and physical limitations. We covered professional/volunteer role specifications/limitations as well as legal liability issues. Finally, we has some time with the idea of self-care (important for volunteers, professionals and family caregivers alike!). The volunteer group had a lively discussion and I was so glad for the participation and wisdom of Sutter’s new Bereavement Coordinator, Neave. I suspect Merry and the hospice folks may lure me back for more great stuff with the volunteer team. As you may have gathered, I have a big mushy place in my heart for hospice and am so glad to be able to help in this way. More to come ….