Volunteer With Us
We Believe
Hospice exists to affirm life by providing support to those in the last phase of life so that they can live as fully and comfortably as possible even while in the process of dying.
“I chose to be a hospice volunteer because I believe that all people should have caring touch to the very end of their lives. I admire hospice volunteers because they are giving back, not taking and are willing and able to be with patients and families at this challenging time in life’s journey."
— Peter Frothingham (Heart of Hospice, Heart-to-Heart Volunteer)
What do hospice volunteers do?
Provide visitation in homes, hospital or residential care facilities (all services are free).
Offer friendship and support on an ongoing basis.
Provide respite time for caregivers so they can rest or attend to daily tasks.
Support enjoyable activities like playing cards, reading, writing letters, etc.
Tell others about the work of Hospice and promote Hospice activities.
Help with office work, fundraising, pamphlet distribution, or other tasks if necessary.
Become Hospice Board Members if interested.
Types of Volunteers
Navigators – these experienced volunteers journey with those who have life-limiting chronic illness helping the person and their family navigate through change and challenges, connect with resources, learn about their conditions, and anticipate future needs.
Bedside Volunteers – these volunteers are available to sit with people as they near the end of their life, and also provide respite time for caregivers.
Friendly Visitors – these volunteers develop supportive relationships with residents who are in care facilities who may have few friends or family.
Grief Support – these volunteers support others with grief, help them make meaning of their grief, and are trained to understand how gried impacts mind, body, and spirit.
How to Become A Volunteer
Hospice volunteers have the privilege and opportunity to be companions with people who are journeying towards the final stages of their life. Their presence provides support and comfort to the person who is approaching death and to their family by listening, encouraging, reading, providing respite time for tired caregivers, helping people grieve, or simply being a compassionate presence.
The Greater Trail Hospice Society provides a 20-hour training workshop over two weekends each Spring & Fall. This education includes theory about what to expect as a person's illness progresses, symptom management, the dying process, grief, spirituality, volunteer roles and responsibilities, practice with communication skills, and more!
Volunteers can provide other valuable services such as assisting with events or educational activities, assisting with fund-raising, and providing community education about hospice services.