Ascend Health

At Ascend Hospice, we use a holistic and personalized approach to hospice care, providing comfort and compassion to those affected by a terminal illness. Whether it’s for one month or six, our team of professionals will provide you and your loved one with the best hospice services, including:

• Comprehensive care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week based on patient-centered, identified need.
• Expert clinical care with an emphasis on pain and symptom management
• Specialized programs for veterans and patients with end-stage cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Holistic therapies, such as: aromatherapy, massage, pet therapy and reflexology
• Bereavement care and services

Ascend Hospice volunteers are a group of loyal individuals who devote themselves to ensuring the mission of compassionate, sensitive hospice care is fulfilled. Our dedicated volunteers provide companionship, holistic therapies and much more. Our newest volunteer program, the End of Life Doula program, prepares volunteers to accompany the dying and their families, providing emotional and spiritual support and guidance in the final days of life. Learn more about how to become an end of life doula.

We are always looking for special individuals to fill one of the many volunteer roles in the following areas:

Companionship Volunteers: Patient care volunteers are a vital part of the hospice team, providing companionship to the patient and respite to the caregiver. Volunteers can help by making friendly visits, reading to patients, writing letters or running errands. However, the most important thing the volunteer offers is just being there to listen, share quiet moments of contemplation or offer a gentle touch when needed.

Bereavement Volunteers: Bereavement volunteers offer support to the families and friends of our patients. During the grieving process, the bereavement volunteer serves as an invaluable resource for family members and friends, especially those who lack a solid support network.

Administrative Volunteers: Administrative volunteers provide help to the staff by assisting with typing; addressing cards; organizing newsletters, packets and manuals; and other varied clerical duties.

Holistic/Complementary Volunteers: Holistic therapies are offered to both patients and families, as well as to facility staff for comfort, relaxation and personal growth. Many of our volunteers are trained in massage, Reiki, reflexology, pet therapy and aromatherapy. Holistic/complementary volunteers also offer music and visualization for added growth and comfort.

Interested in one of our many volunteer opportunities or learning more about our Hospice program? Fill out this application and email completed application to Marina.McGough@ascendhealth.com.

Contact us at 866.821.1212 or via email with any questions.

Explore Ascend Hospice’s Additional Volunteer Opportunities and Special Training Program

By being a hospice volunteer, you can take great pride in knowing you’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life and in your community. From our teen volunteer program to comforting families during the final hours, Ascend Hospice offers opportunities for individuals ranging in age from teens to senior citizens.

Teen Volunteer Program

We welcome the opportunity to partner with schools in creating student volunteer programs. High school students can get involved in a number of activities, including companionship visits, office work and special projects. Training is provided, and many teen volunteers are able to use their hours towards community service requirements. Must be 16 years old to volunteer within the office and 18 years old to volunteer outside of office in the field.

The World Between (Pre Death Vigil Wishes)

The World Between freely offer their gifts of time and companionship to patients and families experiencing the final hours.

The World Between volunteers are often the most experienced of all hospice volunteers. They can just be present with the patient, talk to them, reassuring them or holding their hand. These volunteers learn through experience the need for companionship either for the patient or the family or both during their final journey here on earth.

Volunteers for The World Between program receive extensive special training. If you are interested in being an The World Between, please contact us at 866.821.1212 or via email.

Special Training Program

All Ascend Hospice volunteers receive extensive training, free of charge. Our training covers the history of hospice care, family dynamics, HIPAA, boundaries, hand washing, infection control, blood-borne pathogens, safety precautions, pain management, aromatherapy, and the final stages of dying and death. In-services are provided quarterly, in addition to a program designed to help volunteers deal with stress and self-care management.

Vet to Vet Program

Ascend Hospice’s Vet to Vet program was made to help Veteran volunteers best support Veteran patients and their families. The Veteran Volunteer Training encompasses several issues and solutions that will be necessary for a Veteran Volunteer to understand when dealing with a terminally ill Veteran.

For more information on these special programs and other Ascend Hospice volunteer opportunities, please contact us at 866.821.1212, email or fill out our convenient online form.