Been a regular volunteer doing bedside care the past 3+ years at Serenity House at Mooresville and most recently at the new Huntersville location. It has been an honor and privilege to be with many wonderful individuals as they travel their final journey in this life. You will not find more dedicated and caring volunteers anywhere. What we do is not for the faint of heart. It takes physical, emotional, spiritual toughness. You receive training by experienced mentors and there are three core instructional classes providing basic personal care for residents ("Bed, Bath & Beyond" by a RN)), proper methods to move a resident without hurting yourself ("Equipped to Move" by a LPT, and, emotional and spiritual care ("Heart & Soul Care" by a staff member). There are up to two residents occupying each house at any given time. There are 50 to 60 individual volunteers at each location providing end of life comfort care for individuals under the professional direction of a Hospice. There are non-bedside volunteer opportunities as well in areas of fund-raising, gardening, housework, home repairs and clerical work. Find out more by going to www.carolinacomfortcoalition.org.
I became a volunteer @ Serenity House over 2 1/2 years ago. I admit I starting volunteering for selfish reasons, to learn to care for people during their final days in life. My in-laws are elderly and I wanted to be able to care for them if the need ever arose. I learned more and received alot of love from staff and other volunteer's as well as the many resident's at Serenity House than I ever thought possible. The staff has always been extremely helpful and each of them has become a true and dear friend. The Volunteers, oh my goodness what can I say about the many Volunteers at Serenity House? They are the most amazing people I have ever met in my entire life. Loving, caring, giving, great friends, truely amazing individuals. Serenity House touches many hearts, staff, our many Angels (volunteers), and our many residents who have passed on to a better life.