SIDNEY — Wilson Health Hospice is offering training classes for anyone who would like to assist terminally ill patients and their caregivers.

The classes will begin March 15 and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m., through March 31 at the Wilson Health Home Care & Hospice offices, 1083 Fairington Drive.

The sessions, conducted by the Wilson Hospice professionals, will include an orientation to the hospice philosophy of care, perspectives on dying, exploring personal interests and motivation for volunteering, understanding the needs of hospice patients and their families, communication skills and confidentiality.

“Currently, our hospice volunteers provide a vast array of services for our program,” said Terri Esser, volunteer coordinator. “In hospice, volunteers are an important source of emotional support and often develop very meaningful relationships with the patient and their families. We consider our volunteers as our ‘unpaid staff. For people who have an interest in volunteering for hospice but are uncomfortable with direct patient contact, there are many other opportunities for the volunteer.”

Opportunities include providing companionship and emotional support to patients in their homes, in the hospital or extended care facilities, or sometimes staying with a patient to relieve family members, assisting with household chores or yard work, assisting with office duties or fundraising activities.

During training, volunteers will be able to assess how their talents and experiences can best be used to help the terminally ill and their families.

“We are looking for compassionate, caring and positive men, women and teenagers who want to work with our wonderful patients, families and staff members,” said Esser. Volunteers must have a background check done prior to completion of training.

To register for classes, call 498-9335.