Needs From: University of the Pacific Volunteer Center

The ProHealth Hospice Team cherishes the impact our volunteers have on the patients and families we serve. Our volunteers are characterized by their selfless and heart-centered approach to life. They are caring people who offer their support and friendship to hospice patients and their families. These volunteers come from all walks of life, community members, retirees, homemakers, veterans, students, etc.

Every volunteer is like a puzzle piece, ready to fulfill a need which only they can provide. Volunteers can exemplify this ability with our patients in a number of ways; sometimes it’s as simple as providing companionship and listening, holding a hand or giving a needed hug. The possibilities are nearly limitless; playing an instrument, cutting hair, mowing the lawn, even walking dogs, are all ways volunteers have shown up to enrich the lives of patients! Volunteers provide support to family members as well, by staying with patients while a family member enjoys a moment alone or runs errands.

What is a hospice volunteer?

Hospice volunteers provide companionship by listening to patients’ stories and engaging in their interests. Often a diagnosis or medical condition will disrupt a patient’s passion. Hospice volunteers try to help patients continue doing the things that matter most to them while living with a terminal illness.

Hospice volunteers are compassionate individuals who provide comfort and support to patients facing a life-limiting illness. Some Volunteers offer specialized skills and support outside of the clinical team. (in example, Cosmetologist, Barber, Reiki Practitioner, licensed or certification needed for these specialties)

There is no one-size-fits-all to what makes a hospice volunteer. Some volunteers participate because they want to give back to the community or they might have a special talent that brings joy to others. However, each volunteer makes a significant impact on patients and their families.

What does a hospice volunteer do?

Volunteers ensure that the patient and family’s needs are met in a variety of ways. This can be through companionship or socialization, assisting with everyday tasks or providing respite time to a patient’s caregivers. Hospice volunteers can also make an impact by assisting the hospice agency with administrative duties.

This can look like:

Sitting with a patient, socializing and providing a listening ear Helping with general office support (mailings or collating admission binders) Writing a journal or life story with patients as a memento for the family Playing games, reading or listening to music with patients or putting admission Walking or caring for family pets Assisting with light house cleaning Providing bereavement support for family members

Hospice volunteers have the unique opportunity to provide a type of care that is companionship-based. This non-clinical support often times helps patients remain in high spirits. It might even give them or their loved ones a break from thinking about their illness.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Department at 877-977-6432 or fill out an online volunteer application.    HERE: https://bttr.im/l1e1d