Volunteering in Hospice

Having never done it myself, I’m just giving an opinion from a great friend to has done this for many years. She has that positive attitude of people you love to be around. She smiles and laughs and you know she cares. Whether the patient or the family, everyone needs some support. Her own life is not easy but she senses what others need.

Go in with a supportive attitude and a smile. That’s what most of us need in life.
 
@Daytona Al, is the hospice you are interviewing with a hospice house/facility? Or is the organization one that visits people in their homes?

the volunteers with home-visiting hospices I’ve work for usually are available to sit with a patient while their caregiver takes a couple hours to go to a doctors appt, do some shopping or just have a couple hours away from the pressures of 24hr caregiving. Volunteers are assigned to patients who are mostly independent or only need minimal assistance. No one expects you to be there with a very sick patient (at least the hospices I’ve worked at).

sometimes, men patients who are Veterans will request visits from volunteers who are also veterans. Some hospices I’ve been at had volunteers who would play an instrument or if they had a *very* well-behaved dog, they could provide short visits with pets, like pet therapy. But these last two usually involve some extra training

you’d be surprised the times I’ve gone in thinking I was going to minister to the patient but ultimately, I come away as the one who rec’d the blessing! There are lots of fascinating people in the world … hope you enjoy your volunteering!
 

CinnamonSugar said:
@Daytona Al, is the hospice you are interviewing with a hospice house/facility? Or is the organization one that visits people in their homes?

the volunteers with home-visiting hospices I’ve work for usually are available to sit with a patient while their caregiver takes a couple hours to go to a doctors appt, do some shopping or just have a couple hours away from the pressures of 24hr caregiving. Volunteers are assigned to patients who are mostly independent or only need minimal assistance. No one expects you to be there with a very sick patient (at least the hospices I’ve worked at).

sometimes, men patients who are Veterans will request visits from volunteers who are also veterans. Some hospices I’ve been at had volunteers who would play an instrument or if they had a *very* well-behaved dog, they could provide short visits with pets, like pet therapy. But these last two usually involve some extra training

you’d be surprised the times I’ve gone in thinking I was going to minister to the patient but ultimately, I come away as the one who rec’d the blessing! There are lots of fascinating people in the world … hope you enjoy your volunteering!I
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Jules said:
Having never done it myself, I’m just giving an opinion from a great friend to has done this for many years. She has that positive attitude of people you love to be around. She smiles and laughs and you know she cares. Whether the patient or the family, everyone needs some support. Her own life is not easy but she senses what others need.

Go in with a supportive attitude and a smile. That’s what most of us need in life.
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I've just been sitting in the house for few months since retirement and surgery. I need to get out and help somebody. This seems like my chance.
 
Daytona Al said:
I have an appointment tomorrow to talk about volunteering in a Hospice. Don't know what I'll be doing. Have any of you done this? Will I like it, or will it be depressing?
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Probably many factors will decide. I'd take a list of questions so you don't forget. Also you would probably shadow a person at first if you are accepted. This would help you decide if it is for you. If it's not, then don't be hard on yourself. I assume it's not for everyone.
 
@Daytona Al, you're a man above many. Men and women involved in hospice should be called blessed. As much as I care, I could never do this.

I imagine there might be sadness at first, but you seem to have a great will to do this so it seems you're going to be alright. If not dear Al, it would only mean you're called to do something else.

Nurses and carers such as yourself are truly angels!
 
We will all be very interested to hear how it went for you, today, Al !:)

What a good experience, and wonderful effort, for you to try this,
even if it doesn't turn out to be the best match for your talents.
 
I've been thinking of you and wondering how this went for you, Al.
@Daytona Al

Whether you might continue with it, or if you will look for something else, that's a better fit for you.
 
I volunteered with hospice way back in the 80's and early 90's in the community helping clients and their families. It got to the point where I felt drained. There were two ladies the same age as me with young families, both, at end of life, it was hard to leave their homes knowing what was in store for them then go home to a healthy family. In time I learnt to leave it there until the next visit. Also with hospice started 12hour on call shifts at the local hospital, that is to say we signed up for a 12 hour period, during which time we could be called in either to sit with a patient who was dying and did not have anyone to sit with them, or an emergency to help so that the nursing staff could do what they do best. I also volunteered with people with aids, that was heartbreaking.
I hope that you enjoy your time at hospice, I learnt so much during that period of my life, people at end of life can teach us a lot. Just be open to listening and I hope that you find it as rewarding as I did.
 
Thanks to everyone who volunteers at a hospice. Ours is desperate for help.
 

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