Volunteers Palliative Care

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities available for individuals interested in providing practical, social and spiritual support to patients approaching the end of life at home and in nursing homes.

Patient Care Volunteers

In homes, hospitals and nursing homes, volunteers provide companionship to our patients, respite for families/caregivers, and assistance with errands, transportation needs, light household duties, tending to young children, reading to patients, or just sitting quietly to dispel loneliness, or as death approaches.

Bereavement Volunteers

Volunteers support newly bereaved families through phone contact and some home visits.

Office Volunteers

Volunteers assist with the day-to-day operations on the palliative care unit. Office or computer skills could be well utilized and will directly contribute to improving the care we provide to patients, families, and the community.

Training

Volunteers are required to complete a training course. The training course is designed to prepare volunteers to work as a part of the palliative care team either with patients and their families during the last stages of illness, or with the bereaved. Training programs are held each fall.

Support and Supervision

The demands of volunteering with dying patients make ongoing support and education essential. In-service training is a part of our volunteer program and sessions are offered throughout the year. Volunteers receive supervision on an individual basis from the Volunteer Coordinator. Bereavement Volunteers also receive support from the Bereavement Coordinator.

Commitment

Patient care volunteers make a 12 month commitment, serving three to four hours a week. Special consideration is given to individuals with unique skills that are not needed on a regular basis and university students who are only available during the academic year.