Thank you for considering making a commitment to help those in need in your community. Please take a moment to reflect on the following questions and be honest with yourself about whether or not this is a good match for your skill set.
- Are you comfortable with death and dying?
- Are you able to listen without making suggestions or needing to control the conversation?
- Are you flexible?
- Do you have a sense of humor?
- Are you open to training, supervision and committed to the organization and its mission?
If after reflection, you feel that volunteering for Hospicare is a good fit, please know that you will be asked to:
- Participate in a 25 hour mandatory training
- Make a commitment of 2-4 hours a week for a minimum of one year
- Be reliable and prompt when performing assignments
- Participate in an annual review
- Successfully pass a background check
- Comply with the policies and procedures of the organization
- Have the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries
- Not have experienced the loss of a significant loved one within the past year
In return, you will receive:
- The joy of making a difference in the lives of our patients and families
- The satisfaction of giving back to our community
- The recognition, support, and appreciation of Hospicare staff
- The chance to meet new, interesting people
- Continued education and training
The Many Ways Our Volunteers Help
Patient support volunteers commit to assist our patients and their families two to four hours a week in a variety of ways, including: companionship, respite for caregivers, reading to a patient, assisting in the home, being a comforting presence or assisting with meals at our 6-bed Residence on East King Road. Specially trained volunteers also support bereaved families, sing to patients, give massages, and provide pet visits.
Please follow the following steps if you wish to become a patient support volunteer:
Step one: Application
Complete and return a volunteer application form.
Step two: Interview
The Manager of Volunteer Services will contact you for a personal interview. During the interview, we’ll learn more about your skills and interests and share with you our needs, to see if we can find a position that will be fulfilling for you and beneficial to the patients and families we serve.
Step three: Orientation & Training
Volunteer training is provided for all volunteer to prepare them to be an essential member of our team. A 25 -hour core training is mandatory for most volunteer positions and is offered several times throughout the year. Additional paperwork and health requirements are also necessary.
If you are interested in volunteering and participating in a training, please fill out the volunteer application or contact the Manager of Volunteer Services, Wendy Yettru, 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.