Hospice Volunteer
Help Give HOPE To Hospice Patients
HOPE Hospice Volunteers Make A Difference
Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team, filling roles that range from direct contact with patients to providing clerical support for the organization. Hospices participating with Medicare must utilize volunteers alongside their paid clinical and administrative staff.
Hospice volunteers describe their work as gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful. Hospices require a lot from their volunteers and value them greatly.
Support for Patients
This can include visiting, reading, taking walks, writing letters, bringing in music, and supervising therapeutic visits with pets. Volunteers with the necessary certification can also provide massage therapy. Some hospices also utilize volunteers who offer complementary therapies such as aroma therapy or therapeutic touch.
Respite and Support
for Family Members
Volunteers can assist with shopping, light housekeeping, and minor household maintenance, allow family caregivers to take care of necessary errands, exercise, or have time alone. Volunteers can also help care for a family pet.
Bereavement Support Programs
Hospice volunteers can work closely with the hospice’s bereavement staff. Duties may include assisting a support group facilitator, serving refreshments, or helping with mailings to families.
Administrative Duties
Volunteers with clerical skills can serve a hospice by helping in the office with administrative duties. Responsibilities can range from preparing mailings or thank-you letters to organizing events.
Special Skills and Interests
Many hospices utilize volunteers to help maintain patients’ yards and assist with landscaping. Notaries, barbers, and beauticians often volunteer their services to patients. Musicians often volunteer to play for patients.