Volunteers are essential to the compassionate and personalized care provided by UnityPoint Hospice. For those interested in becoming a Patient and Family Ambassador volunteer, live training will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Jan. 8 at the UnityPoint Hospice office, 290 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE. Participants will complete the rest of their training in convenient online sessions. To register, call Kurt Rogahn at 319.368.5632 or email kurt.rogahn@unitypoint.org. Please register b y Jan. 3.

As a Patient and Family Ambassador, you are simply a friend. You may read, play cards, write a letter, or just have a conversation. Patient and family volunteers typically give two to four hours a month. A visit with a patient typically lasts an hour.

Patient and Family Ambassadors may also provide respite. Volunteers allow caregivers time to take care of themselves. When providing respite services, the volunteer spends time with the patient according to a pre-determined schedule, to provide relief for the caregiver. Schedules are often flexible, but some patients or families will require specific days and times.