Hospice Care of the Northwest Has Amazing Volunteers!
As important members of the interdisciplinary team, volunteers embody the complete space of acceptance of just being present for those using our hospice services. Many of our volunteers are introduced to hospice through the death of a family member and understand firsthand the value of hospice care.
Volunteers give their time in many ways. Some help out in the office with administrative tasks or provide support with our bereavement services, while others visit people on hospice care. This time may include reading, providing a supportive presence, engaging in conversation, holding a hand, performing tasks such as watering a patient’s flowers and providing advocacy. Depending on a volunteer’s training, they may contribute through bereavement services, music, pet companionship, art, reiki and/or massage therapy. Volunteers meet people where they are and tailor visits according to the interests and needs of the patient. Through conversation and just being present, the volunteer opens the space for meaning and purpose with our patients. Many of our Dare-to-Dream experiences originate out of these visits.
Are you interested in Volunteering? We have opportunities for you!
Perhaps you are a good listener. Maybe you play an instrument, or do massage. Volunteering with hospice is a great way for you to use your talents for a greater cause!
No matter your skill, your presence opens the door for people to live well until they die. Maybe it’s through reading a story, or watching “the big game,” or listening to stories of the past. Know that your visits are needed and your efforts go a long way. There are opportunities for you to bring companionship into the lives of others who really need it. This very special gift of hospice companionship will come back to you many times over. Come join our team!
Often, patients are not able to communicate and interact with others but still enjoy music, being read to, or just having someone who’s there to spend time with them. Sometimes, it’s just what is needed to create a common shared experience with no expectations. Some folks are bedbound and their room is their world. As a hospice volunteer you provide comfort, needed companionship and space where the focus isn’t on end-stage disease. This opportunity is a wonderful way to give back to our community.
Hospice Volunteers may do one or more of the following activities with people who need companionship:
- Sit and read
- Hold the person’s hand
- Pet certified therapy visits
- Play music
- Discuss shared interests (i.e. music, books, comics, sports, news, politics, etc)
- Play cards
- Sit vigil with persons without family or while the family takes a break
- Massage/reiki
- Write letters to loved ones for people
- Polish fingernails
- Sit and be a compassionate presence – sometimes just having someone who cares near eases loneliness
- And more . . .
Your visits will enhance the quality of their lives, no matter their circumstance. Every volunteer has something special to contribute.
We have volunteer opportunities in your area that can work around your schedule. We provide all the training and orientation that you will need. You will be well-supported and greatly valued by the entire hospice team. Your time is always appreciated!
For more information and to learn about upcoming trainings contact:
Portland area (Clackamas, Multnomah, & Washington Counties)
Tammy Paladeni at 503-595-2260
Salem area (Benton, Linn, Marion, Polk, & Yamhill Counties)
Tony Diener at 503-485-0842