Vigil programs

[Katherine Axtell]

My hospice would like to launch a vigil program this year, and I have volunteered to gather information about how other organizations have structured their programs. I have contacted a few hospices directly, but I'd like to get more input if possible. If your hospice has one of these programs in place, please tell me about it using the questions below as a starting point for discussion. THANK YOU for your time! Are all your patients eligible for vigils, or only those with no family, those in facilities, etc.? Do you have a special vigil coordinator, or does the regular volunteer coordinator oversee scheduling for vigil volunteers? How is the scheduling done? (e.g., 3-hour shifts overnight, one volunteer "on call" per day, etc.?) Do your vigil volunteers receive extra training? What resources do you use for this? Do you regularly include music (CDs) as part of your vigils? If so, what recordings do you use? Any other advice for us??

[Jennifer Thompson]

the suncoast programs run around $150. However, the main thing you need to start with is a small group of your already seasoned direct patient volunteers to assess if you have the interest you need to start. Remember, somethings an executive commitee think a program that they have heard about is wonderful, but if you don't have the volunteers already in place to start such a program it can be very challenging (not impossible but very challenging) Vigil coordinators were be wonderful if there are unlimited funds, bu from my experience we the volunteer coordinators get the priledge of handling this program. I would only use these volunteers during the day or early evening unless you want calls in the middle of the night. volunteers can let you know when they are willing to work this project. volunteers do need additional training, expecially if you are asking them to do more hands on such as assisting nurse or aide turn the patient, swabbing the lips or mouth or even know when to call the hospice or get assistance at a long term care facility , learning what type of additional documentation needs to be completed for the hospice. Suncoast recommends that you put a goodie/comfort bag together CD with player, auroma therapy items, blanket, water,snack for the volunteer.

Hope this information helps or if I can be of help let me know. I put a complete program together several years ago but left the Hospice just be for it was approved by administration. I understand that it is working wonderfully.

Jennifer Thompson, CVA Rivercross hospice Tulsa OK

[Frances Shani Parker]

I suggest that you present your original question directly to the VOLUNTEER VIGILING - CARE IN THE FINAL HOURS group and the VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT group located at this website. This way, you can target those most familiar with your concerns. In addition, you can Google locations of hospices and hospice coordinator organizations that offer or have information about vigil training and contact them. Help is not that far away. :-)

Frances

[Frances Shani Parker]

Many hospice programs are providing specialized volunteer vigil training. During vigil training, a volunteer is taught how to provide bedside support during the final days and hours of a patient’s life. Assistance for families is included. At some facilities, staff members also volunteer for vigil assignments. Vigils, which are based on a patient’s wishes, can include talking, praying, inspirational reading, playing music, performing rituals, touching and, of course, sharing silence. Volunteer vigils help provide the patient with a more peaceful end-of-life experience.

Frances Shani Parker
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

[Katherine Axtell]

Thank you, Frances. Do you have any suggestions for specific resources to use in training? I have been told that Suncoast sells a set of materials, but we're not in a position to make a large financial commitment. Our goal at this point is, I think, to train a relatively small number of volunteers and start offering the vigil service to a limited number of patients on a trial basis. I would imagine that everyone would need good, solid grounding in the physical signs of impending death, as well as some exposure to various cultural practices related to death and dying. What else do you recommend?

[Ginger Askew]

I have been asked to start a similar program and would love to see input from those who are already doing this. I did find a little booklet by Barbara Karnes, RN called The Eleventh Hour. I have not read it through yet but I am hoping to use the information for the training I need to do.

[Katherine Axtell]

I forgot to add: if the HVA has any "best practices" established for vigil programs, I'd like to know about them! If not, I would be willing to engage in some broader research and help develop a set of standards/guidelines if such a thing would be useful. Thanks again!