Hospice care is a program of quality, compassionate care that helps patients and families live as fully as possible. It is founded on the belief that each of us has the right to live with dignity. Hospice volunteers play an important role in carrying out this mission.

Patient and family volunteers

  • Offer companionship, emotional support and respite, visiting patients in their home or homelike setting, allowing caregivers the opportunity to run necessary errands or simply make some time for themselves. We work carefully to match our patients’ needs with the strengths and availability of our volunteers.

Vigil volunteers

  • Provide a calm and peaceful presence to patients and families during the last hours of life.

Bereavement volunteers

  • Work closely with the bereavement staff to support families following a loved one's death.

Administrative volunteers

  • Work closely with volunteer supervisor and other office staff, supporting the daily operations of the hospice office as well as fundraising events.

Commitment of time

Hospice relies on its volunteers. We value your time, and we will work with your schedule. After completing the training, we request that our volunteers are available 3 hours a week to support our patients and program.

Training

As a hospice volunteer, you will receive the training you need to become confident, comfortable, and successful in whatever role you choose. Our comprehensive training program covers the following topics:

  • Hospice Mission and History
  • Confidentiality and HIPAA
  • Care and Comfort
  • Death and Dying
  • Grief and Loss
  • Patient’s Rights
  • Communication
  • Hospice and the Nursing Home
  • Spirituality and Spiritual Care
  • Safety and Infection Control
  • Family
  • Ethics
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Documentation and referrals

Who supports the volunteer?

Our volunteer supervisor is available for encouragement and supervision. Monthly volunteer meetings provide volunteers the opportunity for education and to meet with their colleagues to share experiences and support one another.

We Honor Veterans

Veteran volunteer program

We recognize the special needs of our military veterans through our We Honor Veterans program. The program matches veteran patients with volunteers who have military experience. Our veteran volunteers relate and connect with veteran patients to help support life review and healing.

How can you help as a veteran volunteer?

  • Volunteers are an important part of quality hospice care
  • Veterans are a part of a special culture with their own common language and experiences
  • The bond created among veterans has proven supportive for all involved

How can you participate as a veteran volunteer?

  • Support veteran patients by sharing life stories
  • Educate and help patients with obtaining veteran benefits
  • Take part in recognition ceremonies
  • Deliver certificates for Veteran’s Day and participate in other veteran events
  • Assist in replacing lost medals for veteran patients.

For more information about becoming a hospice volunteer, please contact our supervisor of volunteer services, Michele Whipple [email protected] or 484.580.1550.