Can I be a hospice volunteer?

Every hospice team is made of qualified medical personnel as well as various non-medical personnel that are meant to provide a source of support for the family and the patient. These volunteers are an integral part of the team and often serve on a regular basis as they are needed. Their endless patience in assisting grief stricken families cope with the loss of someone they love is a valuable and indispensable service.

Volunteers provide a myriad of duties such as companionship and even just visiting and listening. If there are letters to be written or perhaps a patient would like to be read to a hospice volunteer can provide that additional and much needed support while giving family members a reprieve. Volunteers can be a source of interest to the patient that they have similar hobbies with. If there are errands that need to be done and family members can't bring themselves to leave the bedside of their loved one, volunteers can assist by picking up medication, grocery shopping or any additional small errand that eases some of the family's burden. Basic housekeeping, preparing meals or transporting the family to and from appointments can all be of tremendous value and assistance to the family of the terminally ill.

A hospice volunteer is a special human being that often times views being a part of the hospice team as a blessing. You can locate your local hospice to check into volunteer requirements by contacting your physician, a local hospital or the yellow pages.