Palliative Care Volunteer – Massage Therapist - Concord - #187838
Sydney Local Health District - Concord HospitalPalliative Care support may be offered in the patient’s homes, or in hospital. The volunteer programme is part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes health professionals such as doctors, nurses, bereavement counsellors, occupational therapist and social workers.
ROLE: Volunteers provide supportive care by helping in a variety of ways that may include:
-
Maintaining the Massage therapy equipment and ensuring it is cleaned between clients.
-
Offer massage to primarily patients but if time permits carers
-
Offering and suggesting suitable massages for patients in their rooms
-
Providing companionship to the patient or their primary carer through massage.
VOLUNTEERS DO NOT:
-
provide nursing care
-
provide intimate personal care
-
lift the client, although they may assist others to move the client
-
cook meals, although reheating and presenting meals, and preparing drinks is acceptable
-
give advice to clients about their illness, medications or other medical matters
ADMINISTRATION: Volunteers are expected to:
-
Maintain regular contact with the co-ordinator
-
Keep accurate records of visits to clients
EDUCATION & SUPPORT: Volunteers are expected to:
-
Attend ongoing education and support meetings with their peers and the co-ordinator
-
Seek additional support from the co-ordinator if required
-
Continue their own self-led personal development
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Volunteers are chosen for their:
-
Qualifications and experience as a Massage Therapist
-
Empathy and understanding
-
Emotional maturity
-
Acceptance of other people’s philosophies, beliefs and values
-
Ability to respect confidentiality
-
Willingness to commit to approximately 4 hours volunteer work each week
-
High level of communication skills
Benefits: Making a difference to the lives of palliative care patients.