Become a hospice volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in hospice. Volunteers may engage in various activities, such as providing respite for family caregivers, companionship, reading, or simply being a comforting presence.

Being a hospice volunteer provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others during challenging times. Many volunteers find that their involvement in hospice work provides a unique perspective on compassion and empathy, enriching their own lives as they contribute to the well-being of others.

Volunteers may give their time for many different reasons. You may be interested in giving some of your time to do deeply meaningful work. Perhaps you are focused on personal growth and fulfillment. You may be curious to learning about dying, death, or bereavement. Any of these reasons or others might lead you to the rich rewards found in hospice volunteering.

How hospice volunteers help

As a hospice volunteer, you may provide a variety of services according to your talents:

• Practical support for families such as running errands or providing respite care, allowing family caregivers to take much-needed breaks.
• Compassionate presence, including companionship, an empathetic listening ear and heartfelt conversations with patients who may feel lonely or isolated.
• Bedside presence to sit with patients during their final hours.
• Hospice program support – office functions or special projects.
• Pet therapy (Pet must be certified though Pet Partners or Therapy Dog International).
• Music therapy.
• Light housekeeping and meal preparation.
• Bereavement support.
• Spiritual care support.

Training

You will receive professional and thorough training to prepare you for volunteering in any area of hospice you would like. The following subjects are covered:

• Hospice concepts and philosophies.
• A comprehensive overview of the services offered by hospice.
• The physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of death and dying.
• Boundaries for the hospice volunteer and the patient and family.
• Developing effective communication skills.
• Grief and Bereavement.
• Family dynamics.
• Self-care.

Contact us

Volunteer opportunities are available in both Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Our coordinator works directly with you to identify opportunities to match your goals and abilities. Some hospice volunteers choose direct patient support, while others work behind the scenes at the office or with the hospice team. For more information about volunteering in hospice care at Asante or to apply for a Hospice volunteer position, call (541) 789-5005. We will ask you to complete an application and interview.