Ryan, Roxbury
Ryan has been volunteering with CVHHH’s hospice program, providing companionship to community members, since 2025.
Why did you choose to volunteer with CVHHH?
I have felt called to support end-of-life care for some time now and this last year I decided to really look into what that would be like. I think that our society has a lot of work to do around how we support our loved ones and community members as they are transitioning from this life. I figured this was something I could do to both learn more about the end-of-life process and also to do my part helping make this time a little better for the people I serve with CVHHH.
What has surprised you about volunteering with hospice?
Honestly, I have felt a little surprised with how rewarding it is and how I have built a relationship with the person I am serving. I look forward to getting together every week and I believe he feels the same about me. Another is that I had misconceptions about how people feel during the process of dying, I expected more fear and/or sadness, and while that is definitely present, I am finding more joy and connection from my person than anything else.
What qualities should a hospice volunteer have?
A volunteer should be willing to commit the time to the person you sign up to be with because it matters a lot to them. If you can’t commit then wait and find a time in your life when you can. Have an open mind as to what your expectations are and let the person you are working with guide you. It also helps to have patience because my relationship with my current person is much stronger now than it was two months ago; it takes time to build that rapport.
Why do people choose to receive care at home?
Well, our homes are, ideally, where we are most comfortable – more comfortable than a hospital bed or a shared room. Where do I want to be when I am sick? Home, of course, and I imagine I am going to feel the same way when I am at the end of my life. I would want to be in a place surrounded by memories and comfortable energy instead of somewhere new and different.
