Extraordinary People Needed to Sit Vigil with Hospice Patients

At Autumn Hospice, we believe no one should face the end of life alone. We are seeking compassionate volunteers who feel called to offer quiet presence and comfort to individuals in their final hours. Sitting vigil is a profoundly human act—providing calm companionship during one of life’s most intimate transitions.

Vigil volunteers ensure that actively dying patients are not alone. With training and ongoing support from our interdisciplinary hospice team, volunteers offer steady, compassionate presence during this fragile time.

Vigil volunteers do not provide physical care. Their greatest gift is simply being present—calm, grounded, and compassionate.

Location

Varies based on patient need and may include private homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities throughout our service area.

What Vigil Volunteers Do

Vigil volunteers offer comfort and reassurance to patients nearing the end of life, particularly when family members are unavailable, need respite, or when a patient has no loved ones nearby. Your presence helps bring peace, dignity, and reassurance in a patient’s final hours.

Activities may include:

• • Sitting quietly at the bedside
  • Holding a hand or offering gentle reassurance
  • Reading aloud
  • Listening to stories or memories
  • Playing soft music or dimming lights to create a calming environment
  • Providing emotional support to family members
  • Offering small comfort measures, such as adjusting pillows or placing a warm blanket

Volunteers receive training on the dying process, anticipatory grief, and the rights of the dying, and are supported throughout their service.

Requirements

To serve as a Vigil Volunteer, you must:

• • Be at least 21 years old
  • Feel comfortable with the realities of death and dying
  • Demonstrate strong communication and active listening skills
  • Remain calm and grounded in emotionally sensitive situations
  • Offer compassionate, nonjudgmental support
  • Be flexible and available on short notice
  • Have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and reliable 24/7 access to a vehicle
  • Live in Massachusetts

Prior hospice or healthcare experience is welcome but not required.

Schedule

This is an on-call, as-needed role. Vigil volunteers may be contacted day or night based on patient needs and their stated availability.

Join Us

Autumn Hospice provides comprehensive training, ongoing education, and dedicated support for all volunteers. If you feel called to make a meaningful difference by offering presence at life’s end, we invite you to join our team. Contact us today to learn more.