Hospice Volunteers Needed! Western MA

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Hospice Service of Western and Central Massachusetts

Volunteer Program

Quality of care is a cornerstone of our mission that could not be accomplished without the many 'helping hands' of our volunteers. Hopsice of Western & Central Massachusetts has a dedicated volunteer force of caring individuals and we offer opportunities in just about every area imaginable. Whether ou can give four hours a month or four hours a day, we can use your help!

All of our volunteers receive extensive training in providing comfort and support ot families facing end-of-life issues. Topics covered include hospice philosopjhy, communication skills, active listeining, identifying and respecting cultural differences, spirituality, grief and the healing process. Volunteers are also trained in COVID precautions and other COVID related topics.

Each and every one of our volunteers are considered memebers of our interdisciplinary team. Without them, we would not be able to provide patients and families with the level of care and comfort for which we are renowned.

Volunteers demonstrate a deep commitment to the hospice philosophy and their desire to help others. Volunteers perform direct services, both tangible and intangible, on behalf of the agency. They provide an atmosphere of warmth and understanding for the family before, during, and after death. They share their special skills in functioning as a friend and confidant.

What do hospice volunteers do?
Our hospice volunteers assist patients and their families in a variety of ways including:

• Reading, singing, playing music, or looking at artwork, pictures or videos
• Sitting quietly with the patient
• Providing respite for the patient's caregiver
• Running errands, preparing meals, and/or doing light household chores
• Performing administrative tasks

• The most valuable skill a volunteer has is the ability to be a compassionate presence. Volunteers increase quality of life by offering emotional support and companionship to patients and their families.

Why Volunteer?

Hospice volunteers report they are motivated by the desire to give something back and soon find that the spiritual and emotional rewards they receive far outweigh the time and caring they contribute. Volunteers gain satisfaction by making a positive impact on people who are going through a crucial stage in life.

How to become a volunteer?

• Contact is to schedule an interview!
• To ensure that hospice volunteers are equipped for working with the dying, they are required to complete comprehensive orientation and training, as well as submit to a routine background check. It's important that volunteers understand the history of the hospice movement and are aware of the specific ways Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts works to serve the local commumnity. Additional training is available and ongoing.

Honoring Our Veterans

• America's Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country. We beleive it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home, and to provide these men and women with the dignity they deseve.
• We understand that some combat veterans who have coped well throughout their lives may experieince increased combat-related memories and distressing emotions during their end-of-life journey. Exposure to traumatic events may also impact physical health later in life. We recognize that the effects of military service, good and bad, can continue to resonate throughout a lifetime.
• Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts offers a special program that recogizes and honors the contributuions made by veterans. We facilitate personalized appreciation ceremonies wherever our patients reside, presenting each of our veterans with a certificate of appreciation for all they have done for our country, We also offer Vet to Vet Cafe, a discussion group for veterans to get together with other veterans in the community, and other special events throughout the year.

• Call today to learn more about your place on the Hospice team. You can make a difference!