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