The Hospice Volunteer

February 25, 2008

The Hospice Volunteer Makes the Difference

Hospice volunteers are extraordinary people who do ordinary things to change lives. Imagine being so ill that you cannot write a letter to your daughter or read the newspaper. As a hospice volunteer, writing a letter or reading from a favorite book can make a patient's day a little brighter

Volunteers are an Integral Part of the Team

Volunteers are essential to the hospice team, standing alongside the professionals, creating a caring environment for patients and families. Medicare even requires volunteer involvement. Many hospice volunteers have had first-hand experience with a family member or friend with a life-limiting illness - because of this, they understand.

Being There for Patients and Families

In addition to being there for the patient in a variety of ways, the hospice volunteer can provide welcome relief to the caregiver. Volunteers may assist by:

Being a friendly visitor
Reading to the patient, writing letters, playing cards, watching a movie
Running errands
Making phone calls
Providing respite to the caregiver
Offering special talents such as singing or playing music
Preparing meals

Staff Support

For those not interested in direct patient contact, there is still important volunteer work available to support the hospice team:

Filing and light office work
Making bereavement phone calls
Assisting with special events and community relations activities

Training

Each volunteer receives training in order to feel comfortable with their role. Volunteers then determine the amount of time they will give.

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