Become a Hospice Volunteer

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Hospice volunteers know that helping others at the end of their lives is tremendously rewarding. Being part of a hospice team gives you the profound privilege of bringing comfort, peace and care to patients, caregivers, and their families during their transitional journey. As a hospice volunteer, you become part of a person’s life when you are needed most.

People just like you volunteer. Adults, young adults, and in some cases, mature teens from all backgrounds, experiences, and cultures volunteer in hospice. Effective hospice volunteers embrace the fact that their role is one of compassionate service.

Family Hospice, A Part of UPMC, will provide the training and orientation you need to feel confident and comfortable with whatever level of support you choose to give. Training can include such topics as death and dying, establishing boundaries between the volunteer and the patient/family, and stages of grief.

Ultimately, hospice care is about providing patients, caregivers, and families with the most comfortable and compassionate end-of-life experience possible. Your responsibilities will vary. In many cases it’s as simple as companionship - sitting and talking, just listening, or playing a patient’s favorite music. You may also assist patients with tasks they can no longer perform for themselves. It may include anything from light household chores to lending emotional support to the patient's family during this difficult time.

If you prefer to work in a different capacity, we also have opportunities to help with administrative office tasks such as file creation, greeting card writing, patient calls, bereavement support, vigil work, and more.