Hospice Volunteer

About the role

Make a significant difference in the lives of individuals receiving hospice care and their families by becoming a volunteer with Interim HealthCare. We offer rewarding opportunities to share your empathy and support during this critical time. Hospice is an integrated program of medical, spiritual, and social care for terminally ill patients in their last six months of life. It is founded on the belief that the final stage of life should be lived with the greatest degree of comfort and dignity possible. We believe in enhancing the quality of life when quantity is limited and respecting patient decisions to forgo extraordinary measures meant only to prolong life. Interim Hospice & Palliative Care, in partnership with the patient, family, professionals, and trained volunteers, enables the patient to remain as free as possible from suffering and distressing symptoms of disease. Our team approach provides the best possible care to patients and their families during the last phase of life’s journey.

Sometimes the most meaningful gift you can give someone is simply your time. Hospice volunteers provide companionship and comfort to people in the final months or weeks of life. A friendly visit, a conversation, or sharing a quiet moment can bring peace and connection to someone who needs it most. Volunteers also can offer support to family members and caregivers, provide assistance in the office, or help with community outreach; the contributions of volunteers are an essential part of Interim HealthCare's Hospice Program. Hospice volunteers are at the heart of our goal. Serving people at the end of life’s journey allows hospice volunteers to make a difference to someone in need every day.

Responsibilities

• Sitting and visiting with a patient
• Listening to stories and sharing conversation
• Reading aloud or listening to music together
• Playing cards or doing activities
• Taking short walks or sitting outside
• Writing letters or helping make phone calls
• Visiting alongside a certified therapy pet
• Providing a comforting presence during vigil visits

Requirements

• Compassion
• A listening ear
• Desire to make someone’s day a little brighter

Skills

• Empathy
• Active listening
• Ability to provide companionship and kindness

Benefits

• Brief interview and training to feel confident and comfortable
• Ongoing support and education about hospice care and how to support patients and families
• Flexible scheduling that fits your availability
• Rewarding experience of bringing comfort, connection, and peace to those at the end of life’s journey

Schedule

You choose how you'd like to help and how much time you can give. Many volunteers visit once a week or a few times a month.