The vigil volunteer provides a supportive presence to dying patients and families when symptoms are under control. The vigil volunteer’s presence is a valuable gift. The vigil volunteer successfully completes vigil volunteer training in addition to friendly visitor training. The vigil volunteer training focuses on the needs of the dying patient and their family. The training includes signs of death and dying during the last hours of the patient’s life, as well as faith practice and cultural differences related to dying.
In hospice, one of the primary goals of care is to relieve a patient’s suffering. The vigil volunteer provides a supportive presence to actively dying patients and their families. When a patient faces the process of dying, coping skills can be taxed and suffering can ensue. Vigil volunteers and other hospice team members can help provide the patient with the most valuable gift - a loving presence.
