As a Hospice Volunteer, You Can Change a Life…Maybe Your Own.

Volunteers are key members of the Hospice and Palliative Care Teams that help adults and children deal with illness, grief and loss. 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 someone’s life.

Who Can Volunteer?

• Adults of any age
• High School Students
• College Students
• Youth and adult groups

Volunteer Activities

Companionship – be a friend to the patient and engage in activities such as sharing stories, playing cards, watching movies writing letters, etc.

 

Respite – stay with a patient to give the caregiver a much needed break. This allows the caregiver time to run errands, take care of household business or just take time to recharge themselves.

 

Bereavement – provide emotional support to the caregiver following the loss of the patient, or assist with the adult grief and growth program or the children and teen groups.

 

Oral History – lead a patient through a life review, record stories, gather pictures and prepare a typed history for the family to treasure.

 

Courier – provide transportation for patients/families to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or other errands.

 

Spiritual Care Volunteer – provide patient directed spiritual support such as reading from the Bible, praying and arranging communion, etc.

 

Eleventh Hour – be present during a patient's last hours.

 

Prayer Shawls – use your ability to knit or crochet while praying for comfort and peace for the patient who will receive the shawl.

 

Office Support – assist at the Hospice Office with clerical duties which might include assisting with mailings, filing etc.

 

Fund Raising – help with special events through promotional activities, make items for bake sales or auctions and various other tasks.

How Can You Get Involved?

Volunteer trainings are held on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Training requirements vary based on your interests and level of involvement. All volunteers are offered our basic 12 hour training. Those interested in indirect support activities are not required to take all 12 hours but are welcome to do so if desired.

If you are interested in volunteering for Hospice of Siouxland, please call 1.800.383.4545 or 712.233.4144 or email Jane Metz at metzj@hospicemail.com.