St Mary High Desert Hospice

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ST MARY HD HOSPICE : Hospice is a philosophy of care based on the concept that patients with life- limiting illnesses should receive assistance in achieving the highest possible quality of life within their disease process. St Joseph embraces a family-centered approach to the physical, emotional and spiritual care of patients and their families.

Our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and symptom management in an atmosphere of compassion and dignity. Patients and their caregivers are encouraged to be involved in the plan of care. Together we will work to ensure that patients are comfortable, able to enjoy every day, live with dignity and respect.

St. Mary HD services provides volunteer services as part of our team effort in caring for and supporting our patients and their families.

THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEER SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE:

Patient Visit Volunteer: Visiting our patients to provide companionship and support through conversation, reading, socialization, leisure activities or by being a supportive presence. Also may provide the opportunity for brief respite, so that the caregiver can take some time away to take care of him or herself or run errands.

No One Dies Alone - Vigil Volunteer: Provide ministry of presence to patients who are actively transitioning. Volunteers sit with patient, providing a peaceful, reassuring presence and atmosphere during the final hours.

Administrative (Office) Volunteer: Provide office support through clerical duties, such as data entry, filing, and organization of supplies.

Bereavement Volunteer: Provide bereavement support in a variety of ways, such as telephone calls, e-mails, funeral visits or visiting with the family and or Grief Group Support.

Special Projects Volunteer: Bake, Sew; Choir, Create Crafts: Make Comfort/Burden Bears, Aprons, Lap Blankets, Pillows, etc. for patients and family members. These Volunteers support the Health System with various community events as well. Light Up a Life, Coping with the Holidays, Celebration of Life respectfully.

Pet Therapy Teams: Trained Certified Therapy Dogs and their Volunteer handlers provide a therapeutic interaction with the patients typically in the skilled nursing facilities.

Craft Volunteers: Make homemade gifts of lap blankets, bibs, pillows, bears and hospital gowns to help make our patients feel special and more comfortable.

Memory Pillows/Bears: Volunteers hand craft bears and pillows for families from an article of clothing belonging to the patient.

We Honor Veterans: Provides a certificate of appreciation for time served to Veterans on our service.