Patient Care Volunteers
Patient care volunteers spend their days with hospice patients. Volunteers travel to the place where the patient currently lives. This could be the patient’s home, a nursing home, or a long-term care facility. Volunteers do not provide any medical or hands-on care. They simply spend time with the patient, talking with them, and keeping them company. Volunteers also often play the patient’s favorite games with them, like cards or chess. Volunteers may also talk with patients about current events if that’s something that the patient is interested in. Some of the other things patient care volunteers do include:
- Grocery shopping
- Preparing meals for patients
- Helping with simple chores around the house
- Providing comfort and support
- Helping the patient’s caregiver with their errands and other daily tasks
- Informing hospice staff of the patients’ needs
Patient care volunteers provide a vital service for hospice patients. They’re able to give patients someone who will listen to their stories and talk with them. This type of volunteering is perfect for compassionate, empathetic people who want to help patients who are at the end of their life.
Music Volunteers
Many hospice patients love listening to live music. If you play an instrument, consider becoming a music volunteer at Appl Orchard Hospice. As a music volunteer, you’ll bring your instrument with you when you’re visiting patients. You can play some of your favorite songs for the patient, and you can also take some requests from the patient. Patients will love getting to relax and listen to their private concert.
Administrative Volunteers
Administrative volunteers have just as important a role in a hospice organization as volunteers who work directly with patients. Administrative volunteers do several different tasks in the hospice organization’s office. These tasks may include:
- Preparing mailings and leaflets
- Answering phone calls
- Setting up and manning booths at community outreach events
- Helping with data entry and other clerical duties
If you have previously worked in an office, administrative volunteering would be a good choice for you. You’ll be able to use the skills you’ve learned in your previous jobs to help the hospice care organization with their day-to-day tasks. If you haven’t done any administrative work before, don’t worry—we will provide you with training before you begin.
Pet Therapy Volunteers
Animals have many proven benefits for hospice patients. Cuddling with a pet can lower a patient’s blood pressure, reduce physical pain, and increase levels of overall comfort. If your pet is calm and good with meeting new people, consider volunteering with your pet, please call the volunteer coordinator.
