Hospicare depends on the incredible commitment of volunteers who collectively contribute thousands of hours, working with patients and their families in a variety of ways, assisting in the office, and raising money for hospice and palliative care programs.
Hospicare has three types of volunteers:
Patient Support Volunteers
Specially trained patient support volunteers commit to assist our patients and their families two to four hours a week in a variety of ways, including:
- Companionship: Reading, listening, being a comforting presence, or just sitting with a patient in their home or the facility where they reside.
- Respite: Allows caregivers to take a few hours “off”.
- Support: Run an errand, pick up groceries, or assist with a small household task.
- Tuck In: Weekly phone call to help identify weekend needs.
- Pampering: Setting or brushing hair, rubbing lotion into a patient’s hands or feet, or painting fingernails.
- Massage: Licensed massage therapists offer relaxing massage to patients.
- Pet visits: Certified animals and their owners visit patients in our residence.
- Threshold Choir: Trained singers, in small groups or solo, offer comforting music to patients and their families.
- Vigil: Compassionate presence with your loved one in the last few days.
- Grief Support: Families receive supportive phone calls and mailings.
Fill out our volunteer application or find out more about the process to become a Hospicare volunteer here. For more information contact the Manager of Volunteer Services, Wendy Yettru at 607-272-0212.
Administrative Support Volunteers
Volunteers assist in a variety of ways in our office; answering phones, assisting with mailings, assembling information packets and more. Join our team and help support Hospicare. If you are interested, please contact the Manager of Volunteer Services, Wendy Yettru at 607-272-0212.
Community Support Volunteers
Volunteers assist with peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, or support our events in a myriad of ways, from serving on a planning committee to helping ensure the safe passage of swimmers during Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare.
For more information: Please contact, Director of Development & Community Relations, Emily Hopkins at 607-272-0212.
Stories from Our Volunteers
Many people help out at Hospicare – both those who are part of our formal volunteer program and those who help out on an occasional basis, including those doing community service from local schools and colleges. Here are some of their stories:
It’s an Honor to Volunteer! – Cheryl Jewell talks about her experience volunteering to prepare meals in the Hospicare Residence.
Fond Memories -Marlaine Darfler, LMT reflects on her many years of being involved with Hospicare.
Learning to Be With the Dying -Angela Mennitto tells her personal story of learning to be more comfortable being with people who are dying.