The Gift of Volunteering

Volunteers play an invaluable role in hospice care, lending their time, compassion, and dedication to help improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. Here at Coastal, we recognize these remarkable people whose selfless efforts offer invaluable support during one of life's most vulnerable journeys.

Hospice Volunteering

Hospice volunteers are truly exceptional people who possess empathy, patience and an unflagging drive to make a positive difference in others' lives. While their backgrounds vary considerably, all Hospice volunteers share one goal - comforting patients and their loved ones during their final stages of life through companionship and practical assistance.

Volunteers at Coastal understand that care goes far beyond medical treatments- it also includes emotional, spiritual, and social support. The presence and kindness a volunteer can offer has an enormously positive effect on those they serve, relieving feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety that often accompany end-of-life journeys.

Hospice Volunteer Roles

There are an almost unlimited number of roles that hospice volunteers can fill. While there are many “typical” volunteer jobs - running errands, taking care of pets, chatting with patients, etc. - we also try to incorporate each volunteer’s strengths and passions as we create a unique role only they can fill.

Some essential volunteer roles may include:

1. Companionship and Emotional Support:

Hospice patients may find great comfort in having a volunteer offer companionship and emotional support. These volunteers offer listening ears, engage in meaningful dialogue, and create an environment that fosters a sense of connectedness and belongingness for all those receiving hospice care services. They can also document patient stories and memories, creating lasting heirlooms for family members to cherish for years to come.

2. Hospice Volunteer Support for Family Caregivers:

Caring for a terminally ill loved one can be emotionally and physically exhausting, which is why hospice volunteers offer respite care services for family caregivers. This gives caregivers much-needed breaks to run errands, take a nap, or recharge with a little self-care. This can help reduce caregiver burnout while increasing overall family well-being.

3. Practical Assistance:

Volunteers can offer practical support through light housekeeping, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. They can also help care for patient’s pets or help with outdoor tasks like yardwork or gardening.

Are You Interested In Volunteering?

At our hospice, we offer comprehensive training and support to equip volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and emotional resilience necessary for hospice care. We are always here to support you with any questions you have along the way, and can help connect the patients you help with any resources to meet needs you may uncover during your work.

How To Get Started

It is easy to get involved with Coastal! You can learn more about the opportunity on our Volunteers page, and then, when you are ready, you can reach out to Toni, our volunteer coordinator, at 541-469-0405.