hillside volunteers

Volunteers Make the Hospice World Go 'Round

Hillside Hospice’s valuable work couldn’t be done without the efforts of volunteers. People become volunteers for various reasons:

• To be more prepared about end of life issues,
• To connect with others in a meaningful way,
• In gratitude for the help that Hospice provided for their family,
• Because of the satisfaction they receive in knowing they made a difference.

Volunteers are trained in areas of the Hospice philosophy of palliative care, communication, listening skills, belief systems and cultural differences, bereavement, safety and confidentiality, and care of the dying person. Training can be individualized to the applicant's needs. We offer a two-day weekend program, one weeknight a week for six weeks, or self-paced modules that are able to completed primarily at home.

Hospice volunteers commit to two to four hours per week of service. The commitment of time is actually very small, but is usually concentrated in periods of high need.

Hospice volunteers provide many services including:

The most frequent request is to provide companionship to the patient, and respite to allow the caregiver a much needed break for visiting friends, getting some exercise, etc…

• Errands such as housekeeping, shopping, etc., to overwhelmed care-giving families,
• Helping a client write or create a legacy journal or photo album,
• Clerical support in the office,.
• Assisting with special hospice events.

If you are interested in learning more about Hillside Hospice volunteer opportunities, please call our Hospice Volunteer Specialist at 920-887-4185.