“Caring Hearts, Helping Minds” – Alzheimer’s Training Program for TCH volunteers
Description of Award:
The Awards of Excellence in Program Innovation recognize the accomplishments that hospice and palliative care programs have made as a team or organization in bringing innovative services and programs to their practices and their communities. Winning programs demonstrate creativity and ingenuity. We highlight these programs not only to reward accomplishments, but also to challenge others to adapt these inspirational ideas to their own programs and communities. The sharing of ideas will create the “best practices” that propel all of us forward.
Description of the Program We Used at The Awards Ceremony:
Caring Hearts, Helping Minds is a comprehensive educational experience developed by the Volunteer Department and patient visitor volunteers. Participants are equipped with a variety of tools and positive behaviors to enhance communication with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. The program is designed for volunteers that visit patients in their homes and in residential care settings. Caring hearts and Helping Minds is a 16-hour education program that empowers participants through a positive approach to Alzheimer’s care while deepening understanding of the end-of-life issues related to the disease.
Description we received from Carol Taylor-Moore:
This volunteer program is still in effect. Training is offered to patient visitor volunteers once a quarter. Interest in the program has grown as the general population becomes more aware of this disease process. This program has met its purpose in that we now have patient visitor volunteers who feel comfortable visiting patients with end stage Alzheimer’s. Treasure Coast Hospice has at least one volunteer assigned to every facility we serve. For additional information you may contact Eileen Emery, Director of Volunteer Services at eemery@tchospice.org or 772-233-9832.
“Alzheimer’s patients were once treated as lost, lonely souls drifting in a cloud of haze. Not so anymore. Today we are touching their minds with our caring hearts.” – AnnMarie St. James, BHA, BBA, Manager of Volunteer Services
