Patient Companion - Hospice Volunteer (Jenkintown)

Leave a legacy of kindness in your life and make a positive difference in someone's final stages of life by becoming a Patient Care Volunteer for hospice patients. Hospice provides support to patients and their families during their final phase of life. Hospice patients are first and foremost people, and we are looking for volunteers who have a heart to show up for someone during a difficult period in their life. This work is deeply important and valued as a part of the hospice team. Learn more about those around you who might come from different walks of life and heighten your own sense of spiritual and emotional values while serving in this role.

Patient Care Volunteers assist as friends and companions to patients who have six months or less to live. They provide the patient and/or family with important respite care, emotional support, and companionship. Visits are with patients in their own residences, at assisted living facilities, or nursing facilities.

All volunteers will go through a comprehensive training and are provided with ongoing, guided support from the Volunteer Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

• Provide companionship through visiting, watching TV, talking, active listening, bedside sitting, letter writing, reading, etc.
• Take interest in the patient by engaging with him/her in sharing hobbies, gardening, table games, cards, crafts, listening to music, watching movies, discussing sports, travel, life stories
• Provide patient's caregiver and/or family with respite care in 2-4 hour blocks of time so that they can have a little break
• Maintain confidentiality regarding information related to patient and family

Qualifications:

• Compassionate, communicative, reliable, punctual, excellent listener
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Must be able to pass background check and drug test
• Must be able to complete minimum of 15 hours of volunteering within first 90 days
• Must be able to complete a minimum of 6 months of volunteer service
• Bilingual is a plus