Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?
Volunteers are an integral part of our hospice program. By sitting with patients in the home (and nursing facilities), providing companionship, running errands (including picking up and delivering flowers for hospice staff to bring to patients) or relieving caregivers, volunteers make it possible for CVHHH to deliver the compassionate, holistic care that is the hallmark of our hospice program. Last year, 30 individuals generously contributed their time and talents in support of our hospice program. Experience with hospice or health care is not required. All that’s needed is a caring, can-do attitude and willingness to help make a difference for someone nearing the end of life.
What Will I Do as a Hospice Volunteer?
Hospice volunteers provide family support before and after a patient’s death. They may do many things to add to the comfort and quality of life for patients and families. Typical activities include (but are not limited to):
- Regularly scheduled patient companionship/relief for family
- Escorting and transporting patients and family members to necessary appointments and social outings, errands
- Assistance with light homemaking tasks when fatigue or finances make this difficult
- Staying with patient to allow the primary caregiver to sleep or have social break
- Performing special skills such as crafts, playing board or card games, hairdressing
- Preparing light meals
- Sitting vigil with dying patients
- Gardening, snow shoveling, stacking wood
- Pet care
- Visiting with bereaved family member when a volunteer/patient relationship has developed during the patients illness
If you are interested in volunteering for our hospice program, please fill out the form below. Be sure to click “Submit” when complete. Our Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Jean Semprebon, will be in touch with you to follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What training, or certification, is required to become a hospice volunteer?
What activities am I allowed to do with the patient and/or for the patient’s family?
What is the average time commitment for a hospice volunteer?
When do volunteers support patients and their families?