Hospice Volunteer

Hospice volunteers are an essential part of helping people find hope and meaning in their last months of life. If you are looking to share your talents and gifts by volunteering, Interim Hospice is looking for you.  Interim Hospice is actively recruiting volunteers to be a part of our Hospice program.

• Patient Companion Volunteers provide companionship to a patient in the final months, weeks and/or days of life, offering support to the patient as well as family members and care givers.  The Patient Companion Volunteer has an opportunity to provide presence, kindness, laughter, companionship, and connection to our hospice patients.  As a Patient Companion Volunteer, you can go for walks, read, listen to music, discuss life.  The possibilities are endless, only bound by your imagination.
• Pet Therapy Volunteers provide visits to our hospice patients, through interaction with their pet.  If you have a certified dog, cat, bunny, or goat and you would like to make a difference in the life of a hospice patient, Interim Hospice is looking for you.
• Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with Hospice Patients who are also Veterans.  Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteers help create an environment where life review and healing can occur. If you are searching for an avenue to support Veterans, please consider volunteering with Interim Hospice. 

For patients on hospice care, volunteers play an essential role. Whether they are simply being present with a patient or helping behind the scenes, volunteers help create trusting bonds and meaningful memories for hospice patients and their loved ones.

Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?

The work can be emotional, but hospice care volunteers make a real impact. Research shows that programs with more volunteer involvement report higher levels of patient satisfaction.

Some people feel “called” to hospice by a previous experience. They may have witnessed the compassionate support hospice gave a loved one and want to provide the same comfort to someone else. Others volunteer because they want to give back, meet new people or make their community a better place. 

Research shows volunteering has several benefits, including:

• Better mental and physical health
• More life satisfaction
• Higher self-esteem
• Fewer symptoms of depression
• Increased life expectancy
• Improved sense of well-being

As with all volunteer roles, a background screen, drug test, and online training are required to help prepare you for the role of a volunteer.  The Volunteer Coordinator will assist you and provide support and guidance while volunteering with Interim Hospice.