Why Become a Hospice Volunteer?

It’s easy to believe we need superhuman talent or special abilities to make an impact in the world. But the truth is, the simplest gifts are often the most profound. If you’ve got time, empathy, and compassion, you have the ability to truly make a difference in someone’s life.

Hospice volunteers are extraordinary people who take the most precious resources—their time and attention—and use them generously to support those nearing end of life. A compassionate heart and a willingness to help are valuable beyond measure to our patients and their families.

If you’ve been searching for meaningful ways to spend your time, we invite you to explore the role of a hospice volunteer with VNA Health Group.

What is Hospice?

Hospice care focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and family as the patient nears end of life.  The hospice team is comprised of a medical director, nurse, home health aide, social worker, spiritual counselor, and volunteer.

What Does a Hospice Volunteer Do?

Hospice volunteers provide compassion and companionship through home visits and support calls to patients and family members, enhancing the care of the hospice team.

During a volunteer visit, you may sit with a patient to lend a listening ear, read a book, write a letter, treasure a memory, or simply be a much needed presence for a hospice patient.

Volunteer visits also offer family members a refreshing change, the gift of companionship, or a much-needed break.

Volunteers may also bring their certified Pet Therapy dog to homes and facilities to provide a gentle presence and brighten the day of a hospice patient. 

Specially trained Veteran volunteers visit and support Veteran patients, honoring them with a personalized We Honor Veterans Ceremony.

Hospice volunteers place support calls to patients and family members through our Comfort Call program.  Providing a compassionate ear while helping the hospice team ensure that the patient’s needs are being met.

Are you certified in Reiki, Meditation, or other alternative therapies? If so, you can share your expertise as part of our hospice volunteer team.

Behind the Scenes

If you prefer to volunteer behind the scenes, you can use your organizational skills as an administrative volunteer.  Administrative volunteers support hospice patients and families by helping with data entry, scanning, and assembling admission packets and mailings.

Do you knit, quilt, or craft? Consider joining Gloria’s Crafters, a team of volunteers who come together to create special items that enhance the comfort and well-being of patients and families.

Bereavement Support

Hospice provides support to the family for thirteen months after their loved one has died. Specially trained bereavement volunteers make phone calls, prepare mailings, and assist with annual memorial services in collaboration with our Bereavement Coordinators.

If you are skilled at sewing, you might join our Bear Hugs team and create handcrafted bears from the garments of a loved one to preserve their memory.

How Will I Know What To Do?

Every VNA Health Group hospice volunteer participates in our interactive training course provided by hospice team members. Our focus is always on the patient and family, and we will teach you how to best meet their needs in your specific capacity as a volunteer. A warm smile and a listening ear as a patient reminisces is all it takes to make a world of difference. The simple gift of your presence can provide a hospice patient with priceless comfort when they need it most.

How May Hospice Volunteering Impact My Life?

As you progress along your journey as a hospice volunteer, you may find that not only are you helping others, but you personally, are forever enriched by each encounter.

Another benefit of joining our team, is that you will meet like-minded empathetic people who also were compelled to serve in hospice. Volunteers connect regularly for ongoing education and activities, so you may build a wonderful group of new friends.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re interested in discovering the joy of being a hospice volunteer, please contact Pauline DePalma, BSW at (732) 224-6933 or email: pauline.depalma@vnahg.org.

We’d love to welcome you to the team!