The spirit of hospice volunteering is borne from a genuine desire to give comfort, peace, and care to patients, caregivers, and families during the end of life. Hospice volunteers have a tremendous impact on the lives of the patients that they serve, the hospice team of which they are a part, and the families and friends of the terminally ill. Understanding the role of hospice volunteers, the ways in which volunteers can serve, and the impact that volunteering has on the lives of the patient, the patient’s family, and the volunteer, can better equip those who are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer.
The presence and service of hospice volunteers is targeted towards ultimately providing patients, caregivers, and families with the most comfortable and compassionate end-of-life experience possible.