Hospice announces October events

HPH Hospice is offering a free community forum called "Caregiver Connections" that will provide individuals with important information on how to access local services.

During this forum there will be a component focusing specifically on care giving resources for dementia patients.

"Caregiver Connections" will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 in Xavier Hall at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

Speakers include Jeff Whitley, Elder Options; Linda Graves, Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc.; John Grecco, Alzheimer's Family Organization;

Marie Monahan, Catholic Charities; Gary LeBlanc, Hernando Today columnist and former caregiver and Karen Bowman, of HPH Hospice and HPH Home Health.

Reservations for the forum are required by calling Janet Clymer, HPH community relations coordinator, at 352-597-1882.

Similar forums are being hosted by HPH in Pasco and Citrus counties on other dates. For details, visit www.hph-hospice.org or call Clymer.

Teens, adults invited to be hospice volunteers

Orientations are planned this month for teens and adults who'd like to be a HPH volunteer.

Adults who would find paying a weekly visit to a hospice patient rewarding or helping in the agency's East Hernando office are welcome to attend a two-part training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 with continuation on Thursday, Oct. 22 at HPH, 698 S. Broad St., Brooksville.

An orientation for students age 14 and older will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31 and again on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the HPH Hernando Hospice Care Center, 12242 Cortez Blvd. Teens must attend both weekends. When orientation is completed, middle and high school volunteers can assist with special events, office work and may visit patients if they are 17 or older. Reservations are required by calling Anne Clarke, volunteer coordinator, at 352-796-2611.

HPH Hospice, formerly known as Hernando-Pasco Hospice, is now in its 25th year of providing care, comfort and support to individuals affected by a life-limiting illness regardless of their ability to pay.

For more information, visit www.hph-hospice.org.