Caregiver Training Program

All volunteer caregivers are required to attend the 36-hour training program set out by the Hospice Association of Ontario. The training is tailored to the specific environment of Perram House and is presented by our staff, who have expertise in palliative care.

Why training?

The field of hospice palliative care is enormous, complex and can be very technical. Volunteers do not need to be experts; they need to be knowledgeable and equipped with some basic skills in Caregiving. Training benefits everyone. Our volunteers feel more confident and our residents are reassured by their care they are getting.


Course Content

Volunteers are required to attend all sessions to cover the following topics:


   Introduction to hospice palliative care and Perram House
   The role of the volunteer caregiver
   Diversity
   Communication
   Ethical issues in hospice care
   Spiritual issue in death and dying
   Grief and Bereavement
   The dying process
   Body mechanics, assists and practical skills
   Basic hygiene, comfort measures and safety
   Cancer
   Pain and symptom management
   Emotional and psychological issues
   Care for the volunteer caregiver