Become A Hospice Volunteer

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Volunteering is truly the gift that rewards the giver as much as the recipient.

Carefully chosen and carefully trained, our volunteers bring an open heart and an extra pair of hands while they donate their time, efforts and talents to patients and their loved ones.

Volunteer opportunities are available in the areas of patient care, community service and administration.

All volunteers are required to attend our 12 hours of our general volunteer training sessions. These sessions are scheduled throughout the year.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age and have the COVID series of vaccinations.

It takes a special person to be a volunteer. Here are some of the qualities that make our volunteers so successful:

• Flexibility: our volunteers are comfortable with a variety of people and situations
• Non-judgmental attitude: our volunteers set aside their own attitudes and beliefs
• Warmth and compassion: hospice volunteers are experts at holding hands
• Willingness to help people: they also have energy and optimism
• Ability to work with others: each volunteer is a vital part of the team

Hospice of Union County Volunteer Opportunities

Direct Care Volunteers:
As a direct volunteer, you’ll spend a lot of time sitting and talking with patients. You may help out with household duties, write letters, make phone calls, groom hair, play soothing music, do laundry, among other things. You may also have the opportunity to help someone achieve a final wish.

Direct care volunteers serve at McWhorter Hospice House, in nursing care facilities and in homes of patients.

Comforting Paws Volunteers:
Comforting Paws, our pet visitation program, provides people with companionship, love and something to look forward to in their day. Patients become more sociable and experience less loneliness and depression when animals are present. Our pet volunteers also help to provide stimulation and encourage conversation.

Comforting Paws Volunteer Training:
You must complete our 12-hour general volunteer training course and must also complete training with your pet through a certified therapy organization. Prior to making visits, your pet must pass a screening.

Certified dog therapy organizations may include:

• Delta Society Pet Partner's Program
• Therapy Dogs International
• Paws4people Foundation
• Canine Caregivers

Office Volunteers:
As an office volunteer, you will assist with filing, typing, answering phones and help with mailings.

Teen Volunteers:
Teen volunteers assist patients in nursing facilities and at McWhorter Hospice House. Teens need to be at least 16 years old and will be required to have a permission form signed by a parent/guardian.

Community Volunteers:
Community volunteers help spread the word about hospice care and have opportunities to help with fundraisers and health fairs