Making a Difference - Hospice Volunteer

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Well-trained volunteers are an integral part of the Assisted Hospice team caring for terminally ill patients. Hospice volunteers visit one of more patients and their families each week. Volunteer scheduling is flexible, matching the needs of the patients with the availability of the volunteer. Hospice volunteers work with patients two hours per week (including travel time). We request a one year commitment so that our patients can see the same volunteer during the time they are receiving hospice services.

• Good Listening skills
• An Understanding and Acceptance of Their Own Feelings Regarding Death and Dying
• A Strong Comfort Level with People Approaching Death (however, direct experience with death and dying is not required)

• Companionship
• Supportive Listening and Conversation
• Applying Holistic Therapies Reading or Other Activities of Interest
• Support with Life Review (reminiscing, sharing stories, pictures, etc.)
• Assistance with Documenting One’s Life Story
• Support with Audio or Video Taping of Treasured Messages for One’s Family
• Letter Writing
• Assisting the Patient with Projects, Errands
• Caregiver Respite

Hospice volunteers can also assist in the administrative offices of Assisted Hospice Care.

All volunteers receive an initial orientation. Topics include:

• The History and Philosophy of Hospice
• The Process of Death and Dying
• An Overview of the Roles and Responsibilities of Each Member of the Hospice Team
• Methods of Offering Compassionate Care to the Terminally Ill Patient and Their Loved Ones

Subsequent to the initial orientation, additional training sessions are held throughout the year on various topics related to hospice and palliative care.