Position Summary:
Provide compassionate, non-medical companionship and emotional support to hospice patients through presence, conversation, and shared activities. This role enhances the quality of life for patients by alleviating loneliness and providing meaningful human connection during their end-of-life journey.
Key Responsibilities:
- Visit patients in their homes or care facilities to provide friendly companionship
- Engage in conversation, listen actively, and share interests with patients
- Read books, newspapers, or correspondence aloud to patients
- Play quiet games, look through photo albums, or enjoy music together
- Provide a comforting, reassuring presence for patients who may have limited social interaction
- Report any concerns about patient wellbeing, safety, or changing needs to the Volunteer Coordinator
- Complete a visit note after each interaction documenting the visit and any observations
Time Commitment:
- Minimum: 6 months
- Hours per week: 2-4 hours (typically one weekly visit of 1-2 hours)
- Schedule: Flexible based on volunteer and patient availability; weekdays preferred
Location:
- Patient homes, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes within assigned geographic area
- Occasional virtual/video visits may be arranged for appropriate patients
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Completion of 16-hour core hospice volunteer training
- Additional training in active listening, communication, and dementia awareness
- Clear criminal background check and TB test
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement available)
- Empathetic, patient, and comfortable with end-of-life discussions
- Ability to maintain appropriate emotional boundaries
Training Provided:
- Core hospice volunteer training (16 hours)
- Specialized communication and active listening techniques
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness training
- Safety and boundary training for home visits
- Ongoing continuing education opportunities
Benefits to Volunteer:
- Deeply meaningful opportunity to provide comfort at life’s final stage
- Development of active listening and communication skills
- Direct experience in compassionate care and emotional support
- Community service hours verification
- Professional letter of recommendation after 6 months of satisfactory service
- Being an integral part of the hospice interdisciplinary team
