Baycrest - End of Life Volunteer Manual
26
To provide effective emotional support, the volunteer must:
• Be in tune with his or her own feelings and emotions about
death and dying
• Give people the freedom to express what they need to express
• Be sensitive to people with special needs, such as people who
have been in abusive relationships or who are estranged from
their families
• Acknowledge their sense of loss
• Give people the time they need to come to terms with their fears
and confusion
WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP?
In the process of being with and listening to someone who is dying,
volunteers may learn that the person is dealing with emotional or
other issues that are beyond their skills.
Volunteers are not social workers and are not authorized to offer
therapy. Whenever volunteers feel uneasy with the family dynamic
or the emotions the dying person is expressing, they should talk to
their supervisor who can ensure the person and family receive
professional help from other qualified team members.
