Volunteers are an essential part of the hospice team. What do hospice volunteers do? They fill a variety of rolls that range from direct contact with patients to providing clerical and fundraising support for the organization. 

Volunteering for hospice can be a rewarding and emotional experience.

What Do Hospice Volunteers Do? We Take a Closer Look

Hospice volunteers may provide:

Administrative and Fundraising Assistance

There are a wide variety of administrative roles for volunteers:

• Volunteers with clerical skills can help with administrative duties in the office. 
  • Clerical work can include computer, phone and customer service.  
• Fundraising responsibilities can include preparing mailings for fundraising events.  
• Volunteers regularly volunteer before events to help organize and assist at the events.  
• Volunteers also help with donor thank you calls, check-in calls to patients, and much more!

Bereavement Program Support

Volunteers may work closely with the hospice’s bereavement support staff. In this role they may:

• Assist a support group facilitator
• Serve refreshments at a support group meeting
• Help with mailings to families.

Companionship and Human Connection

The support and companionship that hospice volunteers provide make a world of difference in the overall care we can deliver. Trained volunteers assist with a variety of tasks, helping patients live life to the fullest each day.  

Depending on the patient’s and family’s needs, volunteers may help by:

• Sitting and talking
• Reading aloud
• Taking walk
• Writing letters
• Listening to music
• Singing a patient’s favorite hymn 

Special Services

What do hospice volunteers do? They can assist with special services. This may include:

• Installing ramps for patients at their homes 
•  Baking cookies and cakes for special deliveries to:
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Special events
  • Fundraising activities

Many volunteers say their hospice volunteer service is gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful.  

If you have a kind and compassionate heart, you have what it takes to be a hospice volunteer. 

How Do I Become a Hospice Volunteer?

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact us by email or phone and arrange to speak with our volunteer coordinator, Hailey Black. Ask for details about specific needs to see where your skills and interests would be a good fit.  Email: hblack@tillerycompassionatecare.org or phone 704-983-4216 ext. 117.

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Sources:

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, https://www.nhpco.org/