Access Hospice volunteers find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives. Many of our volunteers were introduced to hospice through the death of a family member and understand firsthand the value of hospice care, but nearly 20% of volunteers are new to hospice.* Volunteers consistently report that helping the terminally ill through hospice is not about dying but about living.
Wherever you live in Northern Utah, Eastern Idaho, or Western Wyoming, Access Hospice has opportunities for volunteers. Volunteers may range in age from teens (at least 18) to senior citizens. Access Hospice tries to constructively utilize the talents of our volunteers. For example, we have a volunteer that plays harp, one that bakes bread for patients and families, and others play the piano. These talents not only help the patients and the families we serve, but come as great opportunities for the volunteers themselves to grow. Although music and cooking talents are greatly appreciated, help in our local offices or even reading to someone are ways volunteers can really make an impact. In fact, some of the most meaningful volunteer time comes from those willing to help their friends and neighbors and serve the community.
There is a wide range of opportunities available for Access Hospice volunteers. Some of those items include, but are not limited to:
- Support for patients. This can include visiting, reading, taking, walks, writing letters, bringing in music, supervising visits with pets, helping with family history, scrapbooking, or even massage therapy for volunteers with the necessary skills.
- Respite and support for family members. Access Hospice volunteers can assist with shopping or household maintenance, or allow family caregivers the opportunity to take care of necessary errands and get some time away from the house. Access volunteers have also made invaluable contributions with family pet care. Sometimes family members just appreciate a visit from a compassionate friend who understands what they are going through.
- Bereavement support programs. Access Hospice volunteers can work closely with our bereavement staff in duties that range from assisting as a support group facilitator to serving refreshments and helping with mailings to clients and families.
- Administrative work. A volunteer with clerical skills can serve a hospice by helping in the office with simple administrative duties, e.g., filing, making copies, helping with computers, etc.
To ensure that all volunteers are equipped for the challenge of working with the dying, Access Hospice requires all volunteers to complete an orientation and training session, as well as submit to a routine background check.
To all those who currently volunteer for Access Hospice, THANK YOU! And for those interested in volunteering, please contact your local office found on the sidebar of this blog.
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
- Albert Einstein
*some information used for this post was taken from hospicefoundation.org
