Catholic Community Hospice volunteers are key members of our Hospice team. They are committed to serving and meeting the needs of our patients and their loved ones with compassion and respect. Whether you choose to work directly with patients and families or to volunteer in any of a hundred other ways, you’ll be making a difference in our patient’s lives.

What Do Hospice Volunteers Do?

• Patient Care Volunteers provide companionship and support to patients and families in their own homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They offer a listening ear, open mind and loving heart to the families in their care.
• Administrative Support Volunteers provide office support & clerical duties and other vital staff support.
• Bereavement Volunteers provide companionship and support to people who have lost a family member. This volunteer work may be accomplished through home visits or telephone contact depending on the need of the survivor. Additional training is provided
• Special Project Volunteers provides assistance in community programs and events that raise funds and community awareness of hospice.
• Patient/Family Satisfaction Survey Volunteers contact hospice families one month after patient’s death to determine their satisfaction with hospice services. Telephone training is provided.
• 11 th Hour Volunteers have to complete additional training in the physical and spiritual aspect of dying and are available upon request to provide additional support to patients and families during the final hours of life.

Who Can Volunteer?

• Be willing to become a vital part of Catholic Community Hospice’s mission to provide compassionate care to patients and their families.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Attend a free 12-14 hour hospice training course.
• Complete a simple application and background check.
• Those who have recently lost a loved one are asked to wait at least 12 months before volunteering, particularly if they are wanting to work with other patients.

What is Covered in Training?

• Training is offered every quarter
• The training will explore the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of caring for the patient and their families. In-service training is offered on a monthly basis throughout the year, expanding your knowledge base and refreshing your skills.
• How Much Time Does the Average Volunteer Donate?
• Patient care volunteers provide one ñ three hours per week.

Other volunteers have a flexible schedule depending on the assignment and their availability.