A terminally ill patient’s sense of isolation is often made worse by the lack of comforting human touch. Muscles may be contracted and stiff. Patients may spend their days immobile in a recliner or bed. Knowledgeable massage therapists and Reiki volunteers offer compassionate touch, relaxation, a sense of well being and emotional health. For the volunteer, getting to know someone at the end of life is a gift in itself.

   VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Connecticut is looking for licensed massage therapists or Reiki practitioners to visit patients in their homes and nursing facilities in southeastern Connecticut.

    All VITAS volunteers receive orientation in end-of-life care. VITAS massage-therapy volunteers must have a current massage license. VITAS Reiki volunteers must have a level 1 Reiki certificate.

    For more information or to volunteer, call VITAS Manager of Volunteer Services Pat Wilson at 860-494-4600.

    VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® is the nation’s largest provider of end-of-life care.  A pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, VITAS has been caring for the terminally ill and their families in Connecticut since 2004.