Become a Hospice Hero!

"Make someone’s last moments, their best moments."

Why do hospices have volunteers?

Participating hospices who receive Medicare reimbursement are required to provide a minimum of 5% total patient care hours through volunteers. This was written into law in 1982 when hospice care was recognized as a Medicare benefit.

The reasoning behind this mandate was that volunteers would fill the void in care that is often experienced when families are dealing with the difficult changes surrounding a loved one being ill. Hospice volunteers bring a different perspective and often do not have the same level of emotional attachment that family and friends have. As a result of this mandate, Medicare participating hospices (whether public, for profit, not for profit, and everything in between) provide at least 5 percent of total patient care through hospice volunteers.

What does it take to be a hospice volunteer?

Hospice volunteers need to know from the beginning that hospice work is often emotionally difficult. You must be patient and kind yet take a back seat to the events unfolding around you, being there for support and guidance during these times of need. Your role is one of a helper, observer, and friend all in one.

Volunteers can fill the void between loved ones and caregivers, being able to be there even when friends and family find it emotionally difficult to do so. Volunteers often do not have the emotional connection that families and friends have which aids in helping families. They are trained to meet the needs of both patient and family, putting their wishes at the center of decisions and are flexible in their scheduled visits, only coming when they are wanted and, in the patient’s best interest. Their position is unpaid; however, the care they give is priceless.

For those individuals who may not be as comfortable with patient care but still would like to help with clerical work in the office, our agency is more than willing to welcome your talents in the area as well!

Interested in becoming a hospice Volunteer?

People often imagine themselves becoming a hospice volunteer and being able to make a difference helping those nearing their end-of-life journey yet too many people never follow through because they are nervous of what may be expected and unsure of what it entails.

Please contact the agency if you have any additional questions or concerns. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.