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Hospice Volunteers
Hospice volunteers are men and women of all ages and backgrounds. They are special people who give a few hours a week to help those who are dying and their families. Hospice volunteers have the unique opportunity to be witness to amazing love, courage and joy. They are invited to hear the stories, see the photos and be part of helping someone spend their last days at home, with the people and things they love.
Volunteer Opportunities
Hospice volunteers may sit with a patient so the caregiver can make a doctor's appointment, a trip to the store, take a break or take a nap. They might cook the evening meal, sweep the floor, run errands or, sometimes just sit at the bedside and be a quiet presence. Volunteers can also provide clerical assistance in the Hospice office and are involved with bereavement support.
Volunteer Training
Lakeview Medical Center's Hospice Care Program provides hospice volunteer training for those interested in learning more about hospice care and helping people with terminal illnesses and their loved ones. LMC's Hospice program currently has more than 35 trained volunteers.
Volunteers play an important role in hospice nationwide. Without volunteers, most hospices would not be able to carry on their work. Of the 115,000 persons involved in hospice care in America, 95,000 are volunteers. LMC's hospice volunteers are providing a valuable service to our community -- we appreciate and applaud their service and dedication to helping others.
What our Hospice volunteers have to say
What motivated you to become a hospice volunteer?
Being able to make a difference, bring a smile, give a listening ear and a helping hand. To be able to travel with someone as their life's journey nears its end. Being able to be present so someone with a terminal illness is not alone.
Patty, volunteer since 2003
Both of my parents died with the benefit of Hospice care. It meant so much to me to be able to rely on their care, concern and kindness that I wanted to give that back to someone else.
Renee, volunteer since 2002
I believe that Hospice is a place I can give back to my community.
Christine, volunteer since 2003
I lost my brother-in-law while he was in hospice. After watching his care, I needed to be a part of hospice.
Louise, volunteer since 1999
I wanted to be part of a group that was able to step into others lives and help to lighten their loads during their greatest times of need and sadness. I enjoy comforting people when they are hurting.
Jo, volunteer since 2003
First dealing with my mother's terminal illness and how people handled it -- I saw a lot of family and friends scared to visit with mom at a time when she needed it most. Also, I was able to work with the Hospice group and I realized how wonderful and needed the Hospice programs.
Shelly, volunteer since 1999
My husband was in hospice for a short while and after I saw what services were offered and how compassionate the volunteers were, I decided it was something I'd like to be involved in and I'm very glad to be a part of Hospice.
Alice, volunteer since 2001
At the time I saw the ad seeking Hospice volunteers in the paper, I didn't know the actual function and depth of the program. Having heard many good things about Hospice over the years, I decided to inquire more about it and eventually started the training. The thing that impressed me right from the beginning was the warmth and care shown by all of the volunteers. As instruction progressed, it was evident how important end of life issues are and how our society sometimes neglects them. By the end of training it was obvious that being a Hospice volunteer was a way to help meet some profound needs that often go unsatisfied in terminally ill people. When you couple that fact with the warmth in general of everyone involved with Hospice, how could someone not volunteer?
Phil, volunteer since 2002
What does being a hospice volunteer mean to you?
With each hospice experience, I gain strength and courage from the patient and their family. Every hospice patient and family leaves a footprint on my heart and changes how I look at life and its final journey. I am blessed to be a hospice volunteer.
Marlene, volunteer since 1996
It makes me feel that I am doing something very worthwhile and I feel great about that. The patients and families so appreciate the help they receive.
Beverly, volunteer since 1996
I thought I was paying back the kindness given to my parents, but I feel instead to be receiving the blessing of being part of a person's and family's most emotional life journey. It makes me feel so special to see the courage as people face their illness each in their own special way.
Renee, volunteer since 2002
Taking care of patients is a very heartwarming experience.
Ralph, volunteer since 2001
I hopefully can help someone in emotional distress cope a little better.
Sharon, volunteer since 2003
The feeling of helping a family through the dying process is very rewarding. I always am given much more than I give. It means a lot to the families to have volunteers to listen, share time and to give them a break -- it makes us want to do more.
Dave, volunteer since 2002
Hospice provides an opportunity for me to give back in our own community.
Susanne, volunteer since 2002
I love it, makes me feel good to help people. It makes it all worthwhile to be a volunteer.
Joe, volunteer since 2003
It means serving other people at a critical time in their life.
W., volunteer since 2002
Being able to assist and comfort in whatever way a patient and family desires or needs.
Joan, volunteer since 2001
It means that I can give to someone what my family did not have the benefit of -- the time to enjoy the memories and time to reflect and interact with one another. Death, no matter what the circumstances are, whether at home, in the hospital, sudden or over a period of months, takes an emotional toll on everyone. If for only a few hours a week my time can give a stranger or maybe even a friend some peace in this most emotional journey, I do believe that every minute that is given is worth a lifetime of memories.
Elaine, volunteer since 2001
It means a great deal. It keeps me humble, compassionate and loving.
Rose, volunteer since 2001
It means having an opportunity to
assist someone and their family at a very difficult time.
Personally, I feel honored to become acquainted with these
people and the very special Hospice team members.
Robert, volunteer since 1996
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