17 new volunteers enrich hospice work in Ingolstadt!

17 new volunteers enrich hospice work in Ingolstadt!

So here we go again: The Ingolstadt Hospice Association was happy to welcome 17 new hospice companions. These volunteers are available to provide compassionate support to people in their final stages of life. Their tasks range from providing closeness, time and care to relieving the burden on family carers who are often faced with enormous challenges. The newly trained companions also reflect on their personal attitude and experiences with death and grief, which is important in order to be able to respond optimally to the needs of the dying and their relatives.

The training course lasted several months and optimally prepared the participants for the emotional and practical demands of their new role. It is not only a challenge, but also a valuable task: accompanying people until the end of their lives is invaluable. “We are very happy about the addition to our team in a committed and sensitive way,” says the board of the hospice association. For all those who are also interested, a new course will be offered from spring 2026. Registrations are already possible, further details can be found on the hospice association website or by telephone at (0841) 171 11.

Growing demand for volunteer support

But there is not only an increase in volunteers in Ingolstadt: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe is also looking for new helpers. “The demand is growing and we urgently need more people who are willing to get involved in hospice work,” emphasizes a spokesman for the organization. A qualification course for volunteers will start next January 2025. Here, those interested can learn the essential skills they need for this sensitive task.

Registration is currently possible. Information evenings have already taken place, one on November 21st in Ahlhorn and another on November 19th in Löningen, to find out more about the opportunities in outpatient hospice work. The aim is to enable seriously ill patients to die with dignity in familiar surroundings - be it at home, in nursing facilities or in the hospital. That's exactly why the training is designed to last around 110 hours in order to provide the necessary skills, and the course is specifically tailored to the particular challenges. If you are interested, you shouldn't miss this opportunity!

Preparation for volunteer support

The program covers a wide range of topics: communication, grief models and self-reflection are just some of the points covered. However, anyone who wants to volunteer to provide end-of-life care must have personal stability, time resources and reliability. The Ricam Hospice also offers services in the same area, where volunteers can not only help with individual support in rooms and in the day hospice, but also in other areas such as reception and the garden. Reading, listening or helping with small errands – the tasks are varied and enrich both the companions and the guests of the facility.

Those responsible at the Ricam Hospice emphasize that participation in a preparatory course is a prerequisite in order to acquire the necessary emotional and spiritual skills. “We want our volunteers to be optimally prepared for the challenges that await them in supporting seriously ill people,” explains an employee. If you would like to get involved, you can also find out more on the Ricam Hospiz website.