Vigil Volunteer

Provide Comfort in Life’s Final Moments

Gentiva Hospice is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to serve as Vigil Volunteers. In this deeply meaningful role, you will offer a calming presence to patients during their final hours, ensuring that no one is alone at the end of life.

Role Overview

Vigil Volunteers are called when a patient is actively dying and may not have family or caregivers present. Your presence brings comfort, dignity, and peace during this sacred time.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Sit quietly with patients in their final hours
• Offer a peaceful presence through quiet companionship
• Read aloud, play soft music, or hold a patient’s hand (if appropriate)
• Notify hospice staff of any changes or concerns
• Support family members if they are present, offering reassurance and kindness
• Respect the patient’s environment, wishes, and cultural or spiritual preferences

Ideal Candidate

• Compassionate, calm, and emotionally supportive demeanor
• Comfortable with end-of-life situations
• Ability to sit quietly for extended periods
• Reliable and able to respond to calls, sometimes on short notice
• Respect for confidentiality and patient dignity (HIPAA training provided)

Training & Support

• Comprehensive hospice and end-of-life care training
• Education on what to expect during the dying process
• Ongoing emotional and supervisory support
• Guidance on providing presence without pressure

Benefits of Volunteering

• Provide profound comfort at a critical moment
• Be part of a mission-centered, compassionate care team
• Flexible, meaningful service opportunities
• Personal fulfillment through serving others at end of life

“Your presence can bring peace when words are no longer needed.”