Blue Bell: Be a Friend to a Patient on Hospice

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Bristol Hospice provides holistic end of life care, and volunteers are integral parts of the teams that care for each patient.

What do volunteers do? Options are plenty! Most often, a volunteer will visit with a patient for one hour each week at a regularly scheduled time. Our volunteer coordinator will work with you to align your preferences and skills to a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Some examples of typical volunteer duties include:

• Providing companionship for a patient, visiting with them wherever they call home.
• Help a patient record memories or complete special projects.
• Play music, read aloud, enjoy a sunny day, or watch a movie.
• Be a comforting and supportive presence during the final weeks, days, and hours of life.
• Provide respite time for the patient's caregivers.
• Run errands or do light household tasks.
• Assist hospice staff in the office or out in the community.

What you can expect: Your volunteer time is flexible and valued! When you are a part of the Bristol Volunteer Team, you receive training, support, a network of fellow volunteers and staff, and the knowledge that you have comforted someone on their final journey. If this sounds like what you're looking for, get in touch! We can't wait to meet you.