VOLUNTEER CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Designed to keep you TRULY informed!

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

COVID PROCEDURE UPDATE AND MORE!

 

TRU Volunteer News and Education     

COVID PROCEDURE UPDATES (as of 12/29/21)

As COVID cases in our area increase, we would like to provide updated information related to volunteers. Please note that things are changing rapidly, our incident command leadership team is meeting regularly, and all information is subject to change. We will continue to communicate changes as they occur. In-person volunteering WILL CONTINUE according to the comfort level of each volunteer. If you feel that you need to take a pause from an in-person volunteer assignment, please let us know. We can help determine if remote support is appropriate of if there is another volunteer to step in. 

 

There are some important changes to note below, including the new requirement that in-person volunteers must resume wearing a face shield.

 

Change in PPE Protocol: 

·         New guidance for hospice and home health patient visits requires a face shield combined with a well-fitting face mask. The mask must be a procedure mask, N-95, or KN-95. 

·         This video will help you understand how to wear and clean your reusable face shield. 

·         Face shields are available to pick up at the Trailridge front desk Monday-Friday between 9am-3pm. No need to make an appointment

·         Care Center volunteers may pick up their face shield on the unit during their next shift. 

 

Facility Updates: 

·         Long-term care and assisted living facilities may now require visitors who have not received a booster (their definition of fully vaccinated) to complete PCR testing two times per week. They may require an additional on-site rapid test as well.  We will try to let you know if your facility is requiring testing, but can't guarantee we will know this before you do. Please take your COVID vaccination proof to all facility visits. 

 

Vaccinations: 

·         If you have received a booster shot, please send proof to volunteer@trucare.org. This is not a requirement currently, but may be in the near future.  

 

Testing: 

·         We recommend that volunteers keep a few rapid tests at home for emergency use. All healthcare workers are allowed to request free rapid tests to be sent to your home – you can do so by filling out this form. It is our understanding that you will need to fill out the form again each month. Remember that you will never make an in-person visit if you are feeling ill, even if the test result is negative for COVID. 

·         PCR testing is available at TRU's Telecare building on Tuesdays from 8:30-11:30am and Thursdays from 8:00-11:30am. Please let one of your volunteer coordinators know if you plan to test at TRU so we can ensure the correct paperwork is filled out.

 

Daily Health Screen Reminder 

·         It is imperative that all volunteers fill out the Daily Health Screen before each visit (or before each Care Center shift).

 

Thanks to all of you. We wish you health and a Happy New Year.  Please reach out with questions.

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VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED: Lights of Life Celebration: Saturday, January 22, 2022, 3-5pm

Five more volunteers are needed for this beautiful celebration. This is an annual event TRU provides to help those who have experienced a loss come together in community. It is a beautiful ceremony that includes readings, music, and refreshments. Volunteers are an important part of the planning process and day-of activities. Volunteers help with logistics, organization, and readings. Please reach out to volunteer@trucare.org if you want to be part of this wonderful event.

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1/14/2022 Friday, 12:15pm-1:45pm  

Zoom Conversation with Dr. BJ Miller, A Beginner’s Guide to the End.  You won’t want to miss this event!

Meeting ID Code is: 448 343 968  

 

Description of A Beginner’s Guide to the End:

The first-ever practical, compassionate, and comprehensive guide to dying – and living fully until you do.

“There is nothing wrong with you for dying.” Palliative care Doctor BJ Miller and Shoshana Berger write in A Beginner’s Guide to the End. “Our ultimate purpose here isn’t so much to help you die as it is to free up as much life as possible until you do.”  We hope you join the conversation!

 

Back by Popular Demand:

TRU Year-in-Review with Michael McHale

2/9/2022 Wednesday, 6pm-8pm Meeting ID Code is448 343 968 

 

Join us for this remote opportunity to hear TRU CEO, Michael McHale, talk about that which is most close to his heart: Everything TRU! Learn about successes and opportunities facing the medical care industry. Michael delights in answering questions, so come prepared

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4/22/2022, Friday, 12;30-2:00pm: Remote Palliative Care Overview, Karlene Campbell, Clinical Services Manager

Zoom Meeting ID Code is448 343 968 

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