Hospice provides compassionate care that focuses on comfort, quality, and support for individuals with terminal illness, their families, and caregivers.
What does it mean to be a Pet Volunteer? It could mean a lot of things depending on the patient that you are placed with. Companion volunteers visit patients with their pet.
Does your pet (cat, dog, bunny, or bird) love to visit with people? Do they: not jump up, react to loud noises and are able to listen to commands? If you answered yes to all three questions you and your pet are more than likely a good fit as a hospice companion. Animals do not need to be certified therapy animals to help bless our patients as a pet visitor.
Thank you for your interest!
As a hospice volunteer, you will make a huge difference in the life of the patient(s) that you visit. After submitting your volunteer interest, Optage Volunteer Relations will follow up with an email on next steps. Next steps include: completing a volunteer account, 4-5 hours of online training (volunteers go about the required trainings at their own pace); complete required onboarding documents: a volunteer position description- highlighting the role of a volunteer, Optage Hospice Rights and Responsibilities to our volunteers, and a Volunteers Rights and Responsibilities to Optage Hospice and patients; a criminal background study with fingerprints; Tuberculosis test - both expenses are paid for by Optage.
Once onboarding requirements are completed, volunteers attend a short in-person orientation, tour the campus in which they will be volunteering and meet your patient. Volunteers work independently, are supported by Optage Volunteer Relations and are welcome and encouraged to schedule themselves with the patient based on the volunteer and patients schedule.