Volunteers for any nonprofit cause bring their gifts of time and talent and selflessly give them to help others. Nowhere is this commitment more valuable and heartfelt than in hospice.
Even at the end of life, there can be a lot of living to do. Hospice makes that possible by bringing care, compassion and hope to patients and families facing life-limiting illness. Trained CHP Hospice volunteers make it possible to complete our mission to offer comfort and hope to patients and families facing a terminal illness. Families often tell us hospice volunteers are among their most treasured caregivers.
Volunteers are an integral part of hospice care and there are many opportunities. All hospice volunteers receive free training that teaches them about their strengths and how to help others through the hospice journey. Often hospice volunteers are family members who were supported by hospice care during a loved one’s own end-of-life journey.
Volunteers may provide direct companionship and support to patients and respite to caregivers with friendly visits, meal preparation, reading to patients or writing letters for them. Quietly sitting with patients is sometimes all that\’s needed to offer peace and comfort.
Bereavement volunteers assist those who have lost loved ones, especially those without a solid support network. These volunteers may assist with grief support groups, help coordinate community resources or sending birthday and sympathy cards and bereavement notes
Administrative volunteers assist the hospice staff with light office work and assist at community fundraising events. Veteran volunteers offer camaraderie and compassionate, understanding care for fellow veterans.
Whatever their role, volunteers are the heart of hospice and new volunteers are always needed. Call your nearest CHP office to learn more about volunteer opportunities and join us in making our community a more compassionate place to live and honor life.