The value of a hospice volunteer cannot be overstated. Giving their time and compassion to patients and families living with end-of-life care needs, hospice volunteers assist professional staff and physicians in delivering exceptional comfort care to terminally ill patients and their families.
Considered the model for quality compassionate care, hospice provides expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support with each patient’s needs and wishes in mind. Many times, hospice volunteers are the key to meeting unique patient and family needs.
Hospice Volunteers receive training and provide service in three general areas:
- Spending time with patients and families
- Providing clerical and other services that support patient care and clinical services
- Engaging in a variety of activities such as fundraising, outreach and education
Volunteers range in age from teens to senior citizens, and can dedicate as little or as much time as they wish. Some volunteers come to hospice as a part of their high school or college course requirements. Other individuals experience the benefits of hospice through the loss of a loved one and now want to give back through serving others during this difficult time. Many volunteers have special skills or talents that they lend in support of the community through hospice. The most important characteristic of volunteers for Hospice Home Care is an empathetic heart, a desire to help others and a big smile!
During a recent conversation with Cyndi, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice Home Care’s Hot Springs location, she indicated a few special “Wishes” for types of volunteers, and activities needed:
- Pet volunteers
- Art therapy volunteers
- Pampering patients by painting their nails or braiding their hair
- Playing cards, board games, doing crafts
- ‘Flower Power’ Project creating arrangements
To learn more or to become a Hospice Home Care Volunteer in the Hot Springs area, call Cyndi at (501) 321-4014.
