Share Friendship and Support with Hospice Patients & Families!

About the role

Residential Hospice is seeking dedicated Patient Support Volunteers to help patients and families through their end-of-life journey. Hospice patients have a terminal diagnosis and a limited life expectancy, and they and their loved ones are often dealing with many emotional stressors while in the care of hospice. Our volunteers provide comfort, companionship and friendship to patients in a nursing facility or at home.

Responsibilities

• Engage with patients in various ways depending on their needs, such as reading aloud, doing puzzles, attending facility activities, listening to music, talking, or holding a hand.
• Provide respite for caregivers who are caring for a loved one by sitting with a patient while the caregiver takes time for themselves.

Requirements

Kindness, friendliness, patience, and empathy are essential qualities for this role. Volunteers must be willing to share these gifts with others during a difficult time.

Qualifications

No formal education or training is required, but a compassionate heart and willingness to listen and offer support are crucial. Previous volunteer experience is not necessary, but a strong desire to help others is important.

Skills

• Empathy
• Listening skills
• Patience
• Ability to connect with people in a meaningful way

Benefits

Volunteers receive a warm and supportive environment where they can make a difference in the lives of others. They also gain valuable experience in caregiving and counseling, which can be beneficial for personal growth and development.

Pay

The pay for this role is based on the number of hours volunteered and is determined by the hospice facility.

Schedule

Volunteer schedules are flexible and can be arranged to accommodate the availability of both the volunteer and the patient. The frequency of visits will depend on the needs of the patient and the volunteer’s schedule.