The AscEND-OF-LIFE DOULA - Certificate Training Program: Hospice Volunteer - Toms River

Go beyond the traditional Hospice Volunteer experience, learning a wider end-of-life focus and deeper support techniques and skills.

The AscEND of Life Doula Program is an advanced Hospice Volunteer initiative that enhances and extends the traditional Hospice Volunteer experience, by providing in-depth training in non‑medical, holistic end-of-life support. On completion, you, the volunteer, will be able to provide patients and their loved ones a higher level of support during the final stages of the patient’s life.

Just as Birth Doulas welcome people into life, End‑Of‑Life Doulas accompany the dying, and their families, ensuring they are cared for emotionally. The program, rooted in Hospice Philosophy, reflects the hospice principle that no one should die alone, and ensures comfort, dignity, and a sense of calm, prevail, as the volunteer helps patients, and their families, navigate life’s most critical transitions.

Trained volunteers offer:

• Companionship and deep listening to help patients and families feel heard and supported.
• Emotional and spiritual care, including life review sessions and guidance on final wishes.
• Practical support such as vigil planning, vigil attendance, and bereavement services.
• Comfort measures like aromatherapy and gentle presence.

This experiential program provides intensive workshops that equips volunteers with the tools to deliver compassionate care. On completion, volunteers will help create for their assigned patients, and their families, a peaceful, meaningful end‑of‑life experience, supporting both the dying person, and their loved ones, through emotional, spiritual, and practical care.

The program is open to anyone (over 18 years of age)—students, at large community members and retirees—of an altruistic and empathic nature, who want to help others and learn about end‑of‑life care. We do require a period of “proof of dedication” by taking the basic Hospice Volunteer Training and staying engaged with visits for either 50 hours or 6 months, whichever takes longer, before starting the next available Doula Training session. After the Doula workshops, an additional 100 volunteer hours is required to earn the AscEND-OF LIFE DOULA Certificate.

Respond to this post if you are interested in starting on this path.