Volunteer hospice companion: A life full of compassion in Taufkirchen

Volunteer hospice companion: A life full of compassion in Taufkirchen

In the tranquil community of Taufkirchen (Vils), Christoph Steil, 66 years old, does valuable work as a volunteer hospice attendant. He contributes his time and heart to the Erding hospice association for around twelve hours a week. Whether in the Sophienhospice, in retirement homes or during home visits, Steil is wherever people need support at the end of their life. His conversations with a 70-year-old patient in the Sophienhospice, who has been suffering from a brain tumor for over two years, are particularly touching. She feels comfortable and valued in the conversations, which range from intense exchanges to quiet moments where he simply holds her hand.

“After my career as a strategic buyer, I wanted to do something for others,” says Steil, showing how important this volunteer position is to him. His commitment is also reflected in the family atmosphere that he experiences in hospice work. The care, support and support of seriously ill and dying people requires not only empathy, but also extensive knowledge of medical, nursing, psychosocial and spiritual aspects. This is also confirmed by the information from HPN, which emphasizes that volunteers play a central role in hospice care and their training is crucial for humane care.

Training to become a hospice companion

The path to becoming a volunteer hospice companion involves in-depth training that takes about a year and is led by palliative care specialists. This training is based on the specifications of the German Hospice and Palliative Association (BHPV) and is divided into various modules, including basic and advanced courses as well as internships. Participants learn the ethical and legal issues involved in accompanying dying people as well as how to deal with grief and spirituality.

“The first assignments always take place together with an experienced hospice companion,” emphasizes Steil. This offers valuable support and gives newcomers confidence. The variety of tasks ranges from reading aloud to short excursions to intensive listening and emotional support - activities that Steil regularly shares with his protégés.

• Betreuung in verschiedenen Bereichen: Zuhause, Pflegeheime, stationäre Hospize
• Hauptaufgaben der Hospizbegleiter*innen:
• Unterstützung von Schwerstkranken und ihren Angehörigen
• Haltung von Ruhe und Vertrauen in schweren Zeiten
• Öffentlichkeitsarbeit und Veranstaltungen

The missions are not only a professional challenge, but also a personal journey. “I learned not to be afraid of death,” reflects Steil as he talks about how people deal with their fate differently. His fellow hospice sisters and brothers are not spared supervision. This takes place three times a year and serves to process the often emotional experiences.

The prerequisites for this important volunteer position are openness and the ability not to take rejection personally. Because not every moment is easy, and letting go can be a big challenge for some. But gratitude for the shared experiences prevails. The patient in the Sophienhospice enjoys being surrounded by her family and, like many others, is afraid of saying goodbye. Here too, the hospice companion is an important contact person.

For all those who are interested in training to become a hospice companion, the Miesbach Hospice District offers a structured program that provides numerous valuable insights. The basic course begins on January 15, 2025 and the advanced course on March 28, 2025. The training ends with a certificate that documents the participants' skills accordingly. To receive more information, interested parties can contact the hospice district directly.

The use of volunteer hospice companions has a major impact on the quality of life of those who are going through a difficult time. Their work is highly valued and contributes to the constant development and humane design of hospice and palliative care, a concern to which Christoph Steil feels wholeheartedly committed.

Further information about the training content and offerings can be found on the website Mercury, HPN and Miesbach hospice district.