St Stephen’s Hospital is calling for a special group of volunteers to help provide connection and companionship through its new Compassionate Companions program.
The program is designed to connect trained volunteers with patients who are living with dementia or experiencing delirium during their hospital stay for social engagement.
While hospital teams are focused on delivering high-quality clinical care, the fast-paced ward environment can be overwhelming or disruptive at times, particularly for patients with cognitive impairment.
St Stephen’s Manager of Mission and Pastoral Care, Rev Keren Seto, said that’s where the hospital’s volunteer Compassionate Companions can play an important role.
“We know that social engagement has many benefits for patients and is demonstrated to support recovery and reduce length of stay, making the role of our Compassionate Companions both meaningful and impactful,” Keren said.
“Compassionate Companions offer conversation and companionship, which can include time spent doing appropriate activities such as games and colouring in. Their presence can help make a significant difference for a patient’s wellbeing and experience, especially at times when it is difficult for family and friends to visit their loved one in hospital.”
The program is tailored to the individual needs of each patient and volunteers are well-supported by St Stephen’s pastoral care and multidisciplinary clinical teams.
All volunteer Compassionate Companions are provided with extensive training and support. For more information and to apply, visit the UnitingCare Volunteering Portal.
Find out more about volunteering at St Stephen’s Hospital.
https://ststephenshospital.com.au
