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Volunteer
Volunteers play an important role in the care provided by Hospice Inc. They are specially trained to provide comfort, support, and companionship to patients and their families for a few hours each week. Volunteers are assigned and supervised by the volunteer coordinators and work directly with the clinical care team.
Committment
All volunteers are asked to make a year-long commitment to Hospice. Patient
and family volunteers usually give three hours each week when working with a
patient and family. Some volunteers give more time depending on their
availability and personal commitments.
Administrative volunteers who are needed for office support may work on a weekly basis, typically giving three hours each week during business hours, doing filing, mailings, data entry, etc.
Community outreach and fund-raising volunteers make commitments to help with special events; for example: community information tables, or the annual Tree of Life.
All volunteers are assigned and supervised by the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator and work with the entire Hospice team.
Services
Respite
Visiting with a patient so the care giver can do other
things
Transportation
Taking a patient to a medical appointment or for a drive
on a sunny day
Errands
Picking up prescriptions, or going grocery shopping for the
family
Listening
Providing emotional support and companionship
Office Support
Assisting with telephones, filing, mailings, data
entry
Special Needs
Volunteers with special skills such as a second language,
hobbies, skilled crafts, etc. are—from time to time—needed to help patients and
families
Community Outreach and Fund-raising Events
Helping staff Hospice Inc.’s
annual Tree of Life event, Golf Tournament, or information booths around the
community
Training
Hospice knows that each family is unique and services vary according to the individual situation. To prepare volunteers, Hospice provides a 21 hour training course for new patient-care volunteers. The program is required for volunteers who wish to interact with patients and their families.
The course provides a thorough background about Hospice care and the
special needs of people with advanced illnesses. Participants will be asked to
explore their feelings about death and dying. The course is not required for
volunteers who do not have patient contact.
Once trained, volunteers are assigned to a patient and work directly with
the clinical-care team under the supervision of Hospice Inc.’s volunteer
coordinators.
Volunteers can also play a vital role at Hospice without coming into
contact with patients. Volunteers can assist with administrative support in the
office, with community education, assisting at fund-raising events and helping
to recruit other volunteers.
If you are interested in becoming a Hospice Volunteer, please fill out the form below, or contact the Volunteer Office by calling 845-473-2273 extension 1124
