A Variety of Opportunities to Be Involved

Our energetic, patient-focused volunteers are integral members of our hospice team. All volunteers are provided training and an opportunity to identify the kind of volunteer contribution they are most comfortable with. Some assignments, such as those that require direct patient contact, require additional training. Not all volunteer opportunities may be available at every location.

Direct Patient Care Volunteers

Activities may include:

• Visiting with a patient living in their home to provide respite for caregivers and companionship for the patient.
• Visiting with patients whose home is a nursing facility and providing companionship and emotional support.
• Providing a listening ear for both patient and caregivers.
• Providing transportation to medical or other appointments, running errands and delivering supplies and medications.
• Providing support to the patient and family through music, conversation, or the recording of a patient’s memories.
• Providing pet therapy visits for patients who desire the companionship of a certified therapy animal.
• Honoring a fellow military Veteran patient through our American Pride^® Veteran Care by Ohio’s Hospice program.

Required Training:

Each volunteer interested in working in direct supportive services with patients and families must attend a training course that includes:

• An introduction to hospice history and philosophy.
• Information on patient rights.
• Communication techniques.
• The volunteer roles and responsibilities on the hospice team.
• Comfort measures.
• The grieving process and how to help.
• Spiritual needs of the dying and their families and friends.
• The emotional and social needs of a family impacted by terminal illness.

Non-Direct Patient Care Volunteers

Activities may include:

• Assisting in our office with general office duties.
• Participating in fundraising and community education.
• Assisting with building and grounds maintenance tasks.
• Making keepsake items for patients and loved ones as part of a craft group.
• Celebrating a patient’s birthday by baking a cake.
• Creating a Memory Bear from an article of clothing of a loved one.
• Supporting family members with a phone call after the loss of a loved one.
• Representing Ohio’s Hospice as a Community Ambassador as part of the Speaker’s Bureau, telling community groups about our services.

Required Training:

Each volunteer interested in working in non-direct supportive services with Ohio’s Hospice must attend a training that includes:

• An introduction to hospice history and philosophy.
• Information on patient rights.
• Communication techniques.
• The volunteer roles and responsibilities on the hospice team.
• Pain management and comfort measures.
• The grieving process and how to help.
• Spiritual needs of the dying and their families and friends.
• The emotional and social needs of a family impacted by terminal illness.

Bedside Vigil Volunteers

Bedside vigil volunteers provide patients with a quiet presence and provide loved ones with peace of mind during the patient’s final hours of life by sitting with the patient, so no one dies alone. There is extra training required for this role.

Special Skills & Interests Volunteers

Volunteers with specialized skills and interests are invited to use their skills to help patients and loved ones at Ohio’s Hospice.

• Cosmetologists and barbers
• Licensed massage therapists
• Musicians — guitar, keyboard, harp, flute
• Pet Care — assist patient in caring for their pet

Our volunteer team is coordinated by three offices around the state. For more information, call: 800.653.4490, ext. 7