Many volunteer because they and their family have personally benefited from
hospice care. They are so grateful for the help they received during a
difficult time that they want to give back to the community and help other
families who are in need. Others have heard about the great work of
hospice and are curious about how they might use their gifts and talents to
help others.
If you have an open heart and would like to help people who are dealing
with serious illness, this is the place for you. Compassion, commitment and
caring are all words that describe a hospice volunteer.
Once you have turned in a completed application we will call you to
schedule an interview to learn more about you. We will want to know about
your personal history and especially about your own history of loss. We
want to make sure you have taken the time you need to take care of
yourself before you commit to helping others in their time of need.
There is no exact job description for a hospice volunteer because each
patient is unique. One volunteer may spend time watching a game of
playing cards with the patient or family; another may help by running
errands or providing respite care while family members take a break. Think
of it this way, we tell patients that a volunteer is a friend they just haven't
met yet. Volunteers often become a part of the family and help out with
whatever is needed.
We ask that you make yourself available to your patient for up to four hours
a week. Of course, there may be weeks when it's not possible for you or
weeks when your patient doesn't really need your help. You may make one
visit or several visits depending on the needs of your patient. We also ask
you to document the time you spend with your patient. This information is
needed when we ask for support from community organizations. In
addition, you will be asked to complete at least eight hours of continuing
education each year to maintain your certification as a hospice volunteer.
There are many different ways to fulfill this responsibility and have fun in
the process.
Care - Hospice Division?
The staff has worked with you during your training. We know you and we
are there for you whenever you have a question or need help. You can call
us on the phone or come into the office to talk about your experiences as a
hospice volunteer. We will work hard to answer your questions and to do
whatever we cant to make your volunteer experience rewarding and
fulfilling. As a hospice volunteer, you are joining a marvelous group of
caring individuals who are united in their desire to make a difference in the
world. You are not alone in your work. If you allow it, you will be touched
by the experiences of your fellow volunteers. And together, we will make
the world a better place.
