Hospice Volunteer

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Want to make a difference in someone’s life? Become a hospice volunteer!

Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator

Patient Care Volunteers Duties Can Include:

• Helping with simple chores around the house
• Providing comfort and support
• Helping the patient’s caregiver with their errands and other daily tasks
• Informing hospice staff of the patients’ needs
• Being respectful and supportive when patients share their life experiences
• Writing letters, or reading to the patient
• Companionship, art projects, and pastime activities for the patient
• Able to maintain confidentiality of information and protect the rights of the Hospice Patient.
• Able to listen without imposing one’s own spiritual, religious, social and/or political values and beliefs.
• Know and practice good safety and personal hygiene habits.
• Record and submit accurate, timely and objective documentation on the volunteer summary notes.

Qualifications: Patience, compassion, flexibility and good active listening skills are needed. Volunteers need to be able to establish and maintain boundaries. The volunteer must be able to put the patient’s interests first. Being well grounded and possessing good common sense are important. No previous experience needed.

Time Commitment : Generally assignments are made once a week for 1-2 hours. Hours are flexible. Visits may be shorter for patients in nursing homes, those with dementia, or those who are not fully conscious.

Location: Companion visits take place in the home of the patient whether it be a private residence, assisted living facility or nursing home. You will be assigned a patient and only visit one location unless you decide to take on multiple patients.

Risks: Driving and sharing close personal space with patient. Standard precautions should be practiced whenever there is a risk of infection. You will be notified of specific precautions when necessary. Close relationships can result and the volunteer must be able to effectively cope with death and grief, emotional support will be provided by the volunteer coordinator.

Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. Hospice will provide TB screening and background check. Complete volunteer training at the hospice. 2 references, can be professional or personal (friends/family/etc)

Training will cover everything you need to know including:

• Hospice philosophy
• The role of hospice
• Hospice services
• Patient Self Determination
• Confidentiality
• Roles of the Interdisciplinary Team
• Infection Control
• The Dying Process
• Grief and Bereavement