Hospice Home Volunteer Opportunities

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Volunteers are the heart of our home. Only a few hours a week, or a month, can be a great benefit to our guests. You do not need to have healthcare experience to volunteer. Many opportunities are available-see below for detailed descriptions.

The first step in becoming a part of this important work is to complete a AH Volunteer Application and Confidentiality Statement. If you have difficulty accessing this online or would like an application mailed to you please email director@aurorahousewmc.com . Once your application is complete either drop it off at Aurora House or mail it to: 2495 S. Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. We will be in touch with you shortly afterwards.

The model of care we use at Aurora House is based on a theory introduced by Dr. Jean Watson. In her Theory of Human Caring, Dr. Watson introduces ten Caritas Processes that provide a framework for how we approach this important work. Aurora House volunteers recognized that these fundamentals apply to our everyday lives as well, so it has become our Code of Conduct.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Caregiving: Our caregivers work in teams of two, typically covering 4-­‐hour shifts, to provide personal care for our residents. No experience is necessary, training, along with the opportunity to shadow current caregivers is provided. This work also involves interaction with the resident’s family & friends, light meal preparation, caring for laundry, answering phones, greeting visitors and collaborating with the Aurora House staff. Caregivers are encouraged to volunteer a minimum of one 4-­‐hour shift per month.
• Housekeeping: Our beautiful home needs the work of a team of individuals who wish to help keep things running smoothly and looking great. No specific time commitment is necessary, just a willingness to help with tasks around Aurora House such as vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, mopping and other duties as outlined in a Housekeeping manual kept at the house.
• Gardening: The gardening group keeps the numerous gardens and green spaces looking beautiful, offering a respite to our residents and their loved ones. The group typically sets a schedule for weekly tasks along with seasonal work to be accomplished and the volunteers are allowed to work at their own pace.
• Meal Preparation: This group helps prepare meals that are sometimes enjoyed by our residents and their families. If we have residents with poor appetites or families that don’t necessarily partake in what is prepared, we then offer these to our caregivers, who often work during mealtimes. The hospitality of Aurora House is certainly offered to each group. Homemade dishes are most welcome, especially for families who are stressed and have been eating a good deal of take-­‐out food. This is a great way for families to consider volunteering to help at Aurora House because they can plan, shop, cook and drop off the meal together.
• Fundraising: Because we do not bill insurance or receive government money to provide care for our residents, we hold fundraisers as a way to continue to meet our expenses, while still offering outstanding care for our residents. Various fundraisers are held throughout the year ranging from a spring gala to a fall brunch event, a yearly pig roast and much more. Those interesting in fundraising work in various capacities such as soliciting donations, helping to brainstorm and seek out sponsors, actual event planning, set-­‐up, graphic design for flyers and event related print material and running the actual event. Fundraisers are a great way to meet others involved at Aurora House and have a great time in the process!
• Special Events: Aurora House staff and Board members participate in many community activities such as Spencerport Canal Days, community/college fairs, our annual Service of Remembrance and much more. We need a group of volunteers willing to help out on an occasional basis for events such as these. Information is distributed about these events in advance and volunteers are encouraged to sign up to be sure we are well-­‐ represented in the community.
• Other: What’s the "other"? Well, perhaps you have a special gift or talent and wonder if we could benefit from this....let us know. We have those who bring their calming therapy dogs to Aurora House and they are a wonderful addition. Perhaps you are a licensed massage therapist and wonder if you could help alleviate pain or even offer a chair massage for a stressed out family member. Maybe you have a local business and could occasionally help out with our ongoing needs (like printing or baking or maintenance). Let us know if here something else that you don’t see listed here and we’ll let you know if we can use your help.