Author
- Jen Walsh1
- Barwon Health1
2018
Excerpt
Jen Walsh has been the Volunteer Coordinator with Barwon Health Palliative Care for over 4 years. She oversees a dynamic team of 75 volunteers who work across the inpatient and community settings. The volunteers support a wide variety of programs including Companionship, Respite, Massage, Life Stories, Dignity Therapy, Bereavement Support, Backyard Blitz* and other practical support roles. Before working in Palliative Care Jen managed volunteers in the field of disaster response and emergency management. Her volunteer management career spans nearly 15 years. She is passionate about driving a culture of self care within the volunteer team.
Abstract
Author: Jen Walsh
This volunteer team provides a unique service that is otherwise unavailable for patients. Patients often mention to the clinical team that they find it stressful to be “stuck in their bed” and unable to get outside and take care of their beloved gardens and yards. The concept of the Backyard Blitz* program was designed to alleviate this distress. By offering it as a volunteer program it also removes the financial burden of hiring someone to do the work and provides an opportunity for a chat with a caring volunteer team. Volunteers carry out a wide variety of tasks, including but not limited to: mowing, hedge trimming, and weeding.
The volunteers are equipped with specialised Palliative Care training and have the opportunity to provide non-clinical support to the patient and their family through empathetic listening, sharing a cuppa, etc.
This innovative volunteer service fills a gap and also provides peace of mind for patients that their beloved gardens are being well maintained.
Finally, volunteers are trained in Bereavement Support, and when appropriate work with carers after the death of their loved one. This is especially important for carers who have never done yard work and benefit from some extra support.
*Use of this ™ name is authorised by CTC Productions Pty Ltd
Abstract
Author: Jen Walsh
This volunteer team provides a unique service that is otherwise unavailable for patients. Patients often mention to the clinical team that they find it stressful to be “stuck in their bed” and unable to get outside and take care of their beloved gardens and yards. The concept of the Backyard Blitz* program was designed to alleviate this distress. By offering it as a volunteer program it also removes the financial burden of hiring someone to do the work and provides an opportunity for a chat with a caring volunteer team. Volunteers carry out a wide variety of tasks, including but not limited to: mowing, hedge trimming, and weeding.
The volunteers are equipped with specialised Palliative Care training and have the opportunity to provide non-clinical support to the patient and their family through empathetic listening, sharing a cuppa, etc.
This innovative volunteer service fills a gap and also provides peace of mind for patients that their beloved gardens are being well maintained.
Finally, volunteers are trained in Bereavement Support, and when appropriate work with carers after the death of their loved one. This is especially important for carers who have never done yard work and benefit from some extra support.
*Use of this ™ name is authorised by CTC Productions Pty Ltd