McLeod Hospice House offering volunteer training for program

The McLeod Hospice House is set to begin offering volunteer training starting Aug. 19 for anyone interested in the program.

“Volunteer training is a course to teach people who are interested in volunteering with hospice all about hospice,” said Andrea Mozingo, volunteer coordinator for McLeod Hospice.

Anyone who signs up for the program will learn about pain management and the role of hospice nurses, social workers and aides within the program, as well as take lesson from bereavement counselors on how to comfort the patient and families effected by terminal illnesses, Mozingo said.

Sue Funderburke, a volunteer in Mullins, said her work typically consists of travelling to patients homes in Marion and Dillon counties.

“You go visit the patient,” she said. “Sit with the patient so the caregiver can get out and go shopping, go to the grocery store — just have some special time.”

Funderburke said her job, however, doesn’t always center on the needs of the patient.

“I’ve even sat with the patient so the caregiver could go into the other room and take a nap,” she said.

Funderburke said working with the hospice patients gives her a chance to do some good in the lives of others.

“I think it’s a really a calling,” she said. “It’s a gift we have. Not everyone can do it. You’re doing something that helps the whole family, not just the patient.”

Glenda Beard, a volunteer at the Hospice House in Florence, said she agrees wholeheartedly.

“It’s a very rewarding experience for you, in addition to helping other people,” she said. “Many people have much to contribute to others, but they’re not doing anything.”

Beard said it was a hospice volunteer who helped during her mother’s illness who encouraged her to get into volunteering with the program.

“In my case, a volunteer made a big difference when we needed help with the terminal illness of my mother,” she said. “I decided I could do the same for other people.”

Beard said volunteering for hospice can be hard, but the rewards are so great that they overshadows the difficult times.

“It’s just making a choice of getting busy and giving back and meeting the needs of other people who need what you can give,” she said.

If You’re Going
What: McLeod Hospice volunteer training workshop
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19, 21, 26 and 28
Where: McLeod Hospice House, 1203 E. Cheves St., Florence
Info: Call Andrea Mozingo at (843) 777-2994 or (843) 777-2564