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.

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
• Offering support to family members and caregivers
• Providing assistance in the office
• Helping with community outreach

Requirements

Compassion, a listening ear, and a desire to make someone’s day a little brighter.

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.

Training

Before getting started, volunteers complete a brief interview and training so you feel confident and comfortable in your role. Ongoing support and education about hospice care and how to support patients and families are also provided.