Garberville Hospice Seeks Volunteers for Free Caregiver Workshop Feb. 27-28

Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice will hold a free, two-day Volunteer Training and Caregiver Skills Workshop in Garberville to recruit and prepare local patient volunteers and family caregivers. The workshop runs Friday evening, Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospice meeting room.

Organizers designed the training to give hands-on skills and practical knowledge that are in high demand across rural Humboldt County. Topics scheduled include confidentiality and compassionate boundaries, hygiene and body mechanics, safe transfers, use of standard caregiving equipment, and practical caregiving demonstrations. The format combines short instructional sessions with demonstrations intended to build confidence for people who will be providing in-home support.

For Garberville and surrounding communities, the workshop addresses a local need for trained volunteers who can supplement strained family caregiving networks. Many families rely on informal care at home; accessible local training can reduce caregiver injury risk and improve patient comfort by teaching safer transfer techniques and correct use of equipment. Volunteers trained in confidentiality and compassionate boundaries can also help preserve dignity for patients receiving hospice services in small-town settings.

The event is free and open to prospective patient volunteers and caregivers. Space is limited, and registration will be handled by email or phone through Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice. Participants should plan to attend both sessions to receive the full training experience.

Practical, community-based training like this also strengthens local resilience by broadening the pool of people ready to step in when neighbors need help. For a county where distance and limited health resources are realities, bolstering volunteer capacity helps keep more care local - allowing families to remain at home when possible and reducing pressure on hospital and clinic services.

Those interested in volunteering or learning caregiver skills are encouraged to contact Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice soon to reserve a spot. The workshop aims to equip neighbors with the skills and judgment needed to support patients safely and compassionately, and to root more community care in the redwood country for years to come.