Volunteer Services
Trained Volunteers: Making a big difference.
Center for Hospice Care has one of the most extensive volunteer programs in the region, with more than 140 people involved. We provide three main areas of service:
Patient Care
- Companionship. Our volunteers spend time with patients sharing interests, reading, listening to music, and simply being present.
- Giving the primary caregiver a break. This can provide needed respite for family members and caregivers.
- Emotional support. Volunteers provide a calming and reassuring presence during challenging times.
- Transportation. Patient transportation for medical appointments is provided when deemed safe and appropriate by the primary care nurse.
- Meal preparation and household chores. While not a primary duty, occasional household duties may be handled.
- Errands. Picking up and delivering pharmacy supplies or groceries are among volunteer duties.
- Vigil. During late and difficult hours, volunteers are willing to stay with a patient, ensuring that no one dies alone.
Pet Therapy
- Reducing loneliness and depression. Pet Therapy is proven to help alleviate isolation and sorrow and lower blood pressure.
- A welcome distraction. Pet therapy can break the cycle of worry and challenge in daily life.
- Unconditional support. Dogs pay no attention to illness. They only want to be in the present moment with people.
Complementary Therapies
Center for Hospice Care maintains a qualified group of volunteer therapists in these areas:
- Therapeutic massage. This is proven to ease muscular pain, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
- Reiki. The Japanese practice using simple hands-on and visualization techniques to restore the flow of life energy.
- Reflexology. A method of relieving pain by applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands.
- Energy work. A term that refers to several therapies, each intended to restore the harmonious flow of life energy through the body.
- Physician-approval required. The above services are free under Center for Hospice Care but must be authorized by the patient’s physician.
