We have two types of volunteers here: direct and indirect, and they’re welcome to do both if they want!
Our direct volunteers go out and see patients in our territory (they will need their own transportation, and anyone giving them a ride must be signed on as a volunteer as well because we will be releasing the patient’s address to them), and they provide companionship for our hospice patients. This can be in the form of listening or playing music for them, singing with them, doing crafts, sharing conversation, bringing their pet in, or doing anything they have an interest in and want to share with the patient! I would go with them on their first visit, or however long it takes for them to be comfortable, and after that they can see their patients whenever they have free time.
Our indirect volunteers help us write birthday/holiday cards, can sew, or knit blankets requested by patients, help make admission packets, and other administrative tasks around the office. This is primarily clerical work, so not interacting with patients, but we also need lots of help with this type of paperwork, and even doing our holiday events (which is really fun). This year we decorated pumpkins, made Thanksgiving cards, made Veteran’s Day certificates, made and delivered Christmas cookies, teamed with local elementary students to make Valentines for our patients, and did some ice cream events to celebrate summer. Being an indirect volunteer means they do not go out to see patients but still have the same opportunity for volunteer hours, they are even able to bring some stuff to their own home and volunteer without having to leave the house!