The Importance of Hospice Volunteers
April is National Volunteer Month and a time to celebrate the incredible impact volunteerism has on communities and organizations around the world. At Family Hospice, we especially rely on the hard work and commitment of our hospice volunteers. Because of them, we can provide valuable services to patients and their families. In addition, their help enables us to support the caregivers who work tirelessly to keep our patients healthy in all stages of life.
Volunteering is more than just an opportunity to give back to the community. It also ensures nonprofit organizations, like ours, can continue our mission, through both the good times and the bad.
Our Hospice Volunteers
We recruit and train volunteers to help with a variety of programs and services. These individuals provide additional support for our staff members. Their tasks range from making phone calls and filing reports to sitting with patients and even helping to plan events.
Family Hospice offers volunteer opportunities in the following areas:
- Patient
- Administrative
- Bereavement
- Events
- Heartlinks Grief Center
- Board of Directors
No matter your skills or previous volunteer experience, we always welcome more individuals to join one of our teams. Licensed nurses, CNAs or therapists may also provide care for patients after completing an orientation program.
Their Impact
The decision to enroll a loved one in hospice care is often difficult for families. It requires several discussions as well as advanced planning to ensure their wishes are heard and understood. Patients who join hospice care face terminal or life-limiting illnesses. Through our programs, these individuals, and their families, can receive services, medication, medical supplies and equipment they need.
In addition, Family Hospice tends to emotional needs, working side-by-side with patients and families as they stabilize the patient’s current condition and look ahead to the future. Whether it’s sitting quietly with the patient, reading or having a conversation, our volunteers can offer support by merely being present. They may also assist family members and caregivers by doing additional household tasks such as light cleaning, shopping or even overseeing the care of a pet.
Getting Started
Hospice volunteers are typically 18 years of age or older. Additionally, all volunteers must complete and pass a criminal background check to be eligible. Once accepted into the program, volunteers receive training from the staff. This ensures they are comfortable with the area and tasks they are presented with.
Along with understanding the philosophy of hospice care, training shows individuals how to properly handle and respond to daily as well as emergency situations. Staff members will also educate volunteers on how to effectively communicate with patients and their families as well as the caregiver.
If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of patients and families as a Family Hospice Volunteer, please contact our organization at 618-277-1800.
