Hospice Volunteers - Companion, Music, Pet Therapy, Reiki/Massage, Crafts - Saddle Brook

Volunteer Opportunities:

Companionship Volunteers work directly with patients providing companionship, offering friendly visits, reading to patients, writing letters, offering a gentle touch or sharing a quiet moment.

Complementary Volunteers are certified/trained professionals who can provide complementary modalities of reflexology, music, Reiki, & massage.

Ascend Hospice is seeking certified Reiki practitioners to serve our end of life population in finding comfort, relaxation and peace during their final time with us. Your assistance is needed with reducing anxiety, relieving pain and providing a safe , comfortable environment. Training provided for volunteers. Reiki Certification is required.

Pet Therapy Volunteers provide companionship from our certified therapy dogs. Pet therapy provides numerous benefits like encouraging movement and physical stimulation and it provides mental benefits like socialization, mental stimulation, companionship, and unconditional love. Please consider sharing your loving pet with us and bring some much needed smiles. Pets must be certified as therapy animals by an organization like TDI Therapy Dogs International- see website here http://www.tdi-dog.org/

Music Volunteers are volunteers who specialize in sharing songs or instrumental music with patients and their loved ones. Whether the Music Volunteer is sharing an existing musical skill or playing music via the radio or digital device, the goal is to enhance the quality of life of our patients. Often, regularly scheduled visits are requested, however Music Volunteers may also be asked to provide musical visits on an occasional basis for one patient/family or for a group of patients at a facility as outreach for the local hospice agency. Hospice is built on the philosophy that we care for our patients in mind, body and soul.

Craft Volunteers consist of individuals or groups who touch patients in a special way by making lap blankets, shawls, memory bears and other articles for patients to enjoy.

Bereavement Volunteers offer support to the families of patients who have passed. During the grieving process the bereavement volunteer can be a valuable resource, especially for those who lack a solid support network. They often make phone calls to check up on family members and also send cards of comfort and care.

For more information about our free volunteer training and available opportunities, call our Volunteer Department or visit our website at Ascendhospice.com! We look forward to hearing from you!