Hospice Volunteers

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In the field of hospice we work with elderly patients who are getting ready to pass on. We provide medical, psychological, and emotional aid to the patients as well as the families even after the patients pass. What does a volunteer do? They will be providing companionship for our elderly patients or bereaved family members. Whether that be in the form of arts and crafts activities, reading, or even just talking. Our volunteer's goal is to provide comfort and companionship to our patients. Volunteers will also undergo training and have supervised visits to understand what it is like being in the field. Volunteers can also request to be supervised or perform visits with a Social worker (LMSW), or a Nurse (RN) , and even a Chaplain. Also keep in mind the volunteers are there for companionship, they are not aides or caretakers, so they will not be required to change or bathe the patients. More can be gone over in training. What will the volunteers be taught in training?

• Hospice goals, services, and philosophy
• Patient Confidentiality
• Family Dynamics
• Coping mechanisms and psychological issues surrounding death and bereavement
• Guidance for specific tasks
• Who to report to before being assigned a patient

Volunteers will need to complete a criminal background check, along with receiving their Tuberculosis shots (TB). They will also need a mode of transportation. I highly recommend that you be bilingual as many of our patients speak Spanish. The volunteer time will also count towards community service hours.