Volunteer

Our volunteers are a vital asset to the communities we serve. Although the word hospice does not typically enter everyday conversation, when it does it means a family is in critical need of the special care that hospice offers. Staff, nurses, doctors, therapists, and counselors who work in hospice care make it their life’s work to help families in need. Those of us who have witnessed hospice workers in action know how demanding of a role it is that they play. It is why many people feel compelled to volunteer their time as a means to give back to their community. Volunteering in hospice is no easy task, but the rewards and benefits to the community can be tremendous.

What Can A Hospice Volunteer Do For Families?

Hospice volunteers can provide a wide variety of support for patients and their families. There are all kinds of people who have something to offer, even if it’s just showing up to help. Volunteering in hospice benefits patients and families in a variety of ways. Volunteers provide companionship by talking with patients and reading to them. They may also play board games, watch TV programs, and listen to music with patients. explains Volunteers may call patients to provide a friendly chat or mail them cards and letters. Hospice volunteers play a vital role in improving the quality of life for patients and families. Their companionship often provides much needed and welcome social stimulation and emotional support.

What Can Volunteers Do For Hospice?

Volunteers are a wonderful resource to boost the spirits of patients, and they may also help caregivers with certain tasks to allow them to devote more time to caring for patients.

Companionship: Listen to and talk with patients, read to patients, write letters, play cards, games or puzzles, look at photographs or just sit quietly.

Practical Supports: Run errands, pick up groceries, light housekeeping, or prepare a meal. Volunteers can also assist with pets, yard work, garden, minor repairs, or assist with laundry. If a volunteer is unable to travel to patient’s home, a phone call, letter or card sent to the patient or caregiver is great option.

Personal Care: Assist patients with grooming, cutting/brushing hair, applying makeup or lotion, painting fingernails and dressing.

Emotional Support: Listen to patient or caregivers while supporting feelings. Help patient with relaxation through the use of music, reading or Comfort Touch.

Spiritual Support: Listen to spiritual concerns of patients, read to patients or pray with patients.

Facilitation: Facilitate the flow of information between the patient, caregiver and members of the Hospice Team.