A Hand to Hold: Hospice Companionship Volunteer

Oakstone Hospice is committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered hospice care. We believe that every person deserves to live their final days with comfort, dignity, and peace. Our volunteers are the heart of our mission.

The Volunteer Role: Companion, Listener, Helper

Hospice volunteers fulfill a variety of crucial roles based on their skills, interests, and the needs of our patients. We ask for but don't require a commitment of 1-3 hours per week/bi-weekly (flexible scheduling available).

Primary Responsibilities (Direct Patient Care):

• Companionship & Respite: Offering a calming presence, sitting with a patient while their caregiver runs errands, or simply holding a hand.
• Active Listening: Providing a non-judgmental ear for patients and family members to share thoughts, feelings, or stories.
• Reading/Creative Activities: Reading books, letters, or newspapers to patients, or engaging in light activities like puzzles or music appreciation.
• Simple Comfort Measures: Adjusting pillows, offering a glass of water, or playing soft music.

Requirements & Training

All volunteers must meet the following criteria to ensure the highest quality of care:

1. Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Screening: Complete a background check, health screening (e.g., TB test), and reference checks.
3. Mandatory Training: Attend our comprehensive training program, covering topics such as:
   • The philosophy of hospice care
   • End-of-life communication and grief
   • Confidentiality and patient rights
   • Safety protocols
4. Time Commitment: Complete a minimum of 20 hours of service annually.