Hospice Companion Volunteers focus on emotional and social support rather than clinical care. Responsibilities may include:
- Providing companionship through conversation, quiet presence, reading aloud, listening to music, or sitting with patients
- Offering emotional support by listening attentively and responding with empathy and respect
- Reducing loneliness and anxiety by providing a calm, reassuring presence
- Respecting patient preferences regarding communication, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices
- Observing and reporting any significant changes in patient mood or comfort to the hospice care team
- Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to hospice policies and ethical standards
Volunteers do not provide medical care, personal care (such as bathing or feeding), or clinical decision‑making