What does a hospice volunteer do?
A patient/family care volunteer donates his/her time and talents to a hospice household and can fill many needed roles. In a million special ways the volunteer touches the lives of those she/he befriends, and adds comfort and support through such services as:
- preparing simple meals
- reading to the patient
- helping write letters
- listening/emotional support
- doing simple household tasks
- relieving the caregiver for short periods
Most volunteers visit their families once or twice a week and will be given as many or as few hospice patients and families as desired. Volunteers usually follow the patient's loved ones throughout the bereavement period.
Bereavement Support
Some volunteers may choose to offer their support during the bereavement period without prior assignment to the family and loved ones. Bereavement volunteers work with the Bereavement Coordinator to provide emotional comfort through visits, calls, cards, facilitating support groups, and during special days and events.
Typical services provided by Bereavement Support Volunteers are:
- working with the Hospice Touch Bereavement Coordinator to provide a listening ear to Hospice families;
- working at home making phone calls and sending cards to families during the bereavement period;
- encouraging family members to attend the Hospice Touch Memorial Service and various support groups in the community
Pet Therapy Volunteer
The Pet Therapy Volunteer takes one or two puppies to visit patients each week in local nursing homes.
The Pet Therapy Volunteer takes one or two puppies to visit patients .
Benefits to patient are:
- Reduced loneliness,
- Decreased anxiety,
- Diversion and relief from boredom,
- Monotony and isolation of life in institutional settings,
- An opportunity to communicate with the animal without regard for speech or hearing deficits,
- Exercise and sensory stimulation,
- Diversion from pain,
- Exercise of long and short-term memory in discussion of the animals and former household pets,
- Increased relaxation,
- Play, fun and laughter
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Those who want to help but do not feel comfortable with direct family contact can provide equally rewarding and necessary assistance by filling volunteer roles such as:
- Office Support
- Special Events
- and much more!
What Types of Orientation Do Volunteers Received?
Volunteers complete an initial training orientation offered several times each under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator. New volunteers often "shadow" a more experienced member until they are comfortable. Additional support is offered through classes in specialized areas and by hospice's medical and professional staff.
In-service training and special programs are provided to help provide current health care information, create resources and a business base, and to answer questions and address problems that may benefit other volunteers.
What Do I Gain From Being a Hospice Volunteer?
Volunteering offers each individual the opportunity to develop their human potential -- to stretch and to grow; to feel good about helping others in our community, always knowing that their efforts are greatly appreciated.
- New friendships with staff, other volunteers and family.
- Emotional reward in knowing a difference was made in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Hospice Touch Volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 714-327-1936 or email Ginger Askew at GAskew@hospicetouch.com .
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