Spiritual Care Hospice Volunteer

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Spiritual Support

The word "spiritual" can be used in many ways. We understand spiritual life as each person’s unique experience of a power beyond oneself, a sense of order in the universe, a sense of purpose in living, and a sense of connection with everything. Spirituality also includes the organizing set of beliefs, values, hopes, and yearnings, by which each person makes sense of the frequently chaotic elements of life.

At Seasons we believe that all people are spiritual, regardless of their specific religious affiliation or devotion. We believe that the spiritual life is most directly expressed and experienced in human connection, and that spiritual concerns are intertwined with every facet of our lives.

Hospice and Spiritual Care

During times of upheaval and change in life, we all may experience seasons of deep doubt and questioning. We may feel uprooted, set adrift, and utterly alone. Sometimes we respond with deep sadness, other times with numb silence, and still other times with rapid activity and an effort to prove to ourselves that we are still in control. At this time of pending loss, you may be asking "Why me?" or "Where is God?" or "Why do good people like my friend suffer so much?" or "What will I leave behind as a memory of myself?" Beliefs that once made sense and sustained you no longer seem valid.

Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for caring and compassionate individuals who are willing to give of their time to help patients and families dealing with terminal illness. Spiritual care is one of the core values and principles in the Seasons Hospice Circle of Care. As a spiritual care volunteer at Seasons you may be asked to provide companionship and active listening that includes special readings, prayer, meditation and poetry. Our spiritual care volunteers can be seen reading sacred text for our patients and families and come from a variety of faith communities. As a Spiritual Care Volunteer it is important to remember that an "openness to listen" is vital in supporting others through a terminal illness. Companionship, friendly visits, spiritual and emotional support are only a small portion of what our trained Hospice volunteers provide on a daily basis. Caregiver relief and advocacy are also very important.

Comprehensive volunteer orientation and training is required and provided free of charge. As a member of our Hospice Interdisciplinary team, ongoing support and education opportunities are also available.

The time commitment for volunteering is flexible and based on individual availability. Most correspondence can be done by phone, mail or email, eliminating the need to come to the offices on a regular basis. Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care serves most of Connecticut. That means that volunteers serve close to home or work.

Should you or someone you know be interested in Volunteering or Interning with Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, please visit http://www.seasons.org/page/Volunteering or contact us at aisenhart@seasons.org or 203-490-1155. Many patients and families are forever changed by their hospice volunteer. We would be honored to speak to about our Hospice organization. Sincerely, Alexa Isenhart, Volunteer Services