VOLUNTEER HOSPICE COMPANION: To Lend an Ear, Hold a Hand, Warm a Heart

• Read to a patient/Hold a hand/Lend an ear
• Stay with patient while family members take a needed break or run simple errands
• Offer companionship
• Look through photo albums
• Help patients write or tell their life stories
• Read or watch TV with patient
• Just being with the patient can provide comfort.
• Help patient with makeup, brush hair, or paint fingernails
• Veterans honor Veteran patients at bedside/Share vet stories together
• Crafts, projects, coloring, or other activities with your patient (if they are able)
• Music, Art, or Pet Therapy (only if certified pet therapy)
• Simple home repairs or housekeeping

As a volunteer coordinator I fully understand the misconceptions, fears, and concerns you may have about being a hospice volunteer. While our patients are categorized as terminal, many of our patients simply live at home and need help with errands or would benefit from your love and companionship. I will NEVER assign a volunteer to a patient who is actively passing. I know that is what most people visualize when I say hospice volunteer. That is not the case. I would love to offer you the opportunity to experience the amazing feeling of making a difference in a patient and family's life. The family you may be able to help could be someone you already know and love in your community. You won't know, unless you become one of our highly trained, compassionate volunteers. Send me message and we can discuss everything in detail!

Sincerely,

Lisa Hollan, Volunteer Coordinator