Volunteering with Hospice

Volunteers are an integral part of the Hospice Care team. They offer a gentle presence, a helping hand and a compassionate ear.

Volunteers serve a variety of important functions. Whether running errands, preparing a light meal or sitting with a patient sharing a silent moment, Hospice volunteers provide care and companionship.

They assist:

In patients' homes
At The Pillars hospice home
In long-term care facilities
At grief and bereavement group sessions
As administrative volunteers

Qualified, caring volunteers

Our volunteers are very qualified, receiving 21 hours of training. They participate in classroom training twice a year, where they explore the physical, spiritual and emotional issues surrounding Hospice Care. Volunteers also receive hands-on training provided by professional staff and are presented with on-going educational opportunities to strengthen and develop their skills.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers are always needed in the following areas; however, specific duties may vary:

Home care volunteers

Provide respite for caregivers
Read, write letters, play cards or games
Help shop for groceries and run errands

Bereavement volunteers

Provide support to grieving families
Provide telephone follow-up at scheduled intervals
Assist at memorial services
Serve as a grief support facilitator

Long-term care volunteers

Offer emotional, spiritual and social support to patients in assisted living centers
Accompany the patient to various activities or events within the care center

Pillars volunteers

Assist staff with patient care needs
Greet and welcome family members and visitors
Assist with meal preparation and general household responsibilities

Administrative volunteers

Help with mailings and special projects
Assist with data entry and filing

For more information

To learn more about how you can make a difference as a Hospice volunteer, call 651-232-3412.