Patient and Family Support Volunteer

Hospice Patient & Family Services Volunteer

Make a Meaningful Difference in the Lives of Hospice Patients and Families

Duke HomeCare & Hospice is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals to serve as Patient & Family Services Volunteers. Hospice volunteers are a vital part of the interdisciplinary care team, providing companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance to patients facing life-limiting illnesses and the families who care for them.

Hospice care is about more than medical treatment—it is about enhancing quality of life, preserving dignity, and ensuring that patients and families receive support throughout their end-of-life journey. Volunteers help make this possible by offering the gift of time, presence, and human connection during a period that can often feel overwhelming and isolating.

As a Patient & Family Services Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and families while making a lasting impact on their lives. Whether sitting quietly with a patient, listening to cherished life stories, providing respite for a caregiver, or simply offering companionship, volunteers help bring comfort and peace during a profoundly important time.

What Hospice Volunteers Do

Patient & Family Services Volunteers provide non-medical support tailored to the unique needs of each patient and family. Volunteer activities may include:

• Visiting patients in their homes, assisted living communities, nursing facilities, or inpatient hospice settings
• Providing companionship through conversation, reading, games, music, or shared activities
• Offering emotional support and a listening ear to patients and caregivers
• Relieving family caregivers through short periods of respite care
• Assisting patients with letter writing, journaling, memory books, or legacy projects
• Supporting patients who may have limited family or social support
• Making friendly phone calls to patients or caregivers
• Participating in Veteran Recognition ceremonies for hospice patients who have served in the military
• Assisting with special events, bereavement activities, and family support programs
• Helping patients remain engaged in hobbies, interests, and meaningful activities whenever possible

Volunteers do not provide hands-on medical care, administer medications, transport patients, or perform personal care tasks. Instead, they provide the compassionate presence and support that complements the clinical care provided by hospice staff.

Qualifications

We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The most important qualifications are compassion, reliability, and a desire to serve others.

Successful volunteers typically possess:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• A caring, patient, and nonjudgmental attitude
• Respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs
• Emotional maturity and dependability
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold HIPAA requirements
• Willingness to follow hospice policies and procedures
• Comfort working independently while remaining connected to hospice staff

No prior healthcare experience is required. Comprehensive training is provided before volunteers begin working with patients and families.

Training and Support

All volunteers complete a structured orientation and training program that prepares them to serve effectively and confidently. Training topics include:

• Hospice philosophy and principles of end-of-life care
• Communication and active listening skills
• Understanding grief and loss
• Cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness
• Patient and family dynamics
• Professional boundaries
• Infection prevention and safety
• HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
• Volunteer roles and responsibilities

Ongoing education opportunities are available throughout the year to help volunteers continue learning and growing in their role.

Volunteers are never expected to navigate challenging situations alone. Our Volunteer Services team provides ongoing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure volunteers feel prepared and valued.

Time Commitment

Volunteer schedules are designed to be flexible and accommodate individual availability.

Most Patient & Family Services Volunteers:

• Visit one assigned patient on a regular basis
• Serve approximately 1–4 hours per week
• Coordinate visits directly with patients and caregivers
• Commit to serving for at least several months to promote continuity and relationship-building

Opportunities are available during weekdays, evenings, and weekends.

Why Volunteer with Hospice?

Hospice volunteering is a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others. While volunteers often join to help patients and families, many discover that the experience enriches their own lives as well.

Hospice volunteers frequently report gaining:

• A deeper appreciation for life and relationships
• Meaningful personal connections
• Enhanced communication and listening skills
• Greater understanding of resilience, courage, and compassion
• The satisfaction of making a tangible difference in their community

Many patients and families describe their hospice volunteer as a source of comfort, friendship, and support during one of life's most challenging transitions.

Join Our Team

Hospice care was founded on the belief that compassionate volunteers play an essential role in caring for individuals at the end of life. Today, that tradition continues through dedicated volunteers who help ensure that no patient faces their journey alone.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to serve your community and make a lasting impact on the lives of others, we invite you to become a Patient & Family Services Volunteer with Duke HomeCare & Hospice.

Your presence can bring comfort. Your kindness can provide peace. Your time can make all the difference.