Hospice Volunteer Program
Giving Comfort and Care to People in Your Community
What is a Hospice Volunteer?
A hospice volunteer is someone who wishes to make a difference in the lives of the terminally ill by contributing directly or indirectly to the services provided by hospice care. Volunteers provide emotional support and practical assistance that enhances the comfort and quality of life for patients, their families and loved ones. These services can include being available for companionship, listening or simply “being there” for a patient, as well as running errands and preparing meals.
Volunteers Contribute to the Success of Hospice Programs
The importance of hospice volunteers cannot be overstated. Without volunteers we could not provide the variety or the scope of services that are so urgently needed to support hospice patients and their families. Since hospice was developed in response to a community’s needs, it is appropriate and necessary that the members of that community share in, and contribute to its well-being. Volunteers serve as a crucial link between hospice and the community to provide mutual support and information sharing.
Our Goal
The goal of our hospice volunteer program is to enhance the quality of care delivered to each patient and family by supporting the professional hospice team members.
- Listening and supporting the patient and their family
- Reading or sitting with a patient for short periods of time
- Preparing meals
- Writing letters
- Babysitting for children
- Observing and reporting to the hospice care team
- Acting as a liaison between hospice staff, the patient and their family
- Running errands
- Checking on patient and family by telephone
- Assisting with clerical office tasks
- Supporting community events like educational offerings, health fairs or fund raising
As a hospice volunteer, your contributions are immeasurable and we value your participation. Volunteers are only asked to perform job duties that they are most comfortable with. Opportunities available include:
To learn more about becoming a hospice volunteer, please call and ask for the volunteer coordinator at the hospice location nearest you.