Volunteer Corner
We’d love to make you a part of our family.
Constellation Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing end-of-life experiences for our patients and their families through Comfort, Connection and Care. Volunteers work alongside our Care team helping to preserve dignity and improve quality of life. Volunteers have an immense impact on our patients and families. We can’t do this work without you.
Hospice is a type of medical care intended to give people with terminal illnesses assistance, dignity, and comfort. It’s based on a holistic approach addressing physical symptoms and emotional, social, and spiritual needs. This comprehensive care module helps end-of-life patients experience a better quality of life wherever they call home.
We believe everyone has the right to a dignified and comfortable final phase of life. Rather than focusing on curing illness, hospice care prioritizes managing pain and other distressing symptoms. This approach allows patients to spend their final days in a peaceful, supportive environment, surrounded by their loved ones.
Hospice Care was founded by a team of Volunteer Doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. who provided extra love and comfort to the terminally ill. As Hospice Care gained momentum and value, more and more providers were needed. To support the rapid growth, Modern day Hospice care is provided by a team of paid professionals with volunteers playing a vital support role. Volunteers work alongside our Care team to help ensure our patients and families are surrounded by support and love. Because of the evolution of Hospice Care, hospices that participate in Medicare are required to utilize volunteers alongside paid clinical and administrative teams. Volunteers are crucial to almost every aspect of what we do. Without the generosity of people sharing their time and talents, we would be unable to deliver vital care and support.
Hospice significantly impacts patients and their families. Symptoms and pain are frequently relieved for patients, freeing them to concentrate on deep conversations with their loved ones. Families receive the guidance and support they need to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care, which can alleviate stress and provide comfort during challenging times.
We can provide a unique and rewarding way to give back to humanity and community. There are numerous benefits for patients and their families but also to volunteers themselves. Compassionate support can foster emotional fulfillment, personal development and a stronger sense of community.
There are a variety of ways volunteers can support Hospice Care. Our team works directly with you to identify opportunities to match your goals and abilities. Some volunteers choose direct patient support, while others work behind the scenes at the office or with the Care Team. Below are some ways you can help:
Volunteers provide companionship to patients, offering a friendly presence and emotional support. This might include chatting, reading, playing music, or sitting with the patient.
Volunteers offer respite care to give family caregivers a break. This involves spending time with the patient and allowing caregivers to run errands, rest, or attend to other responsibilities.
Volunteers assist with practical tasks that patients or their families might struggle with, such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, or meal preparation.
Some volunteers help patients create legacy projects, like memory books, photo albums, or recorded life stories. These projects provide comfort and leave lasting memories for families.
Volunteers help with administrative tasks in the hospice office, such as filing, data entry, answering phones, and preparing mailings. This support is crucial for the smooth operation of hospice programs.
Volunteers help raise awareness about hospice care by participating in community outreach efforts. This can include distributing informational materials, giving presentations, or staffing booths at community events.
Volunteers with professional skills, such as hairdressing, massage therapy, or legal expertise, offer their services to patients and families. These contributions can significantly enhance hospice patients’ comfort and quality of life.
Certified pet therapy volunteers bring trained animals to visit patients, providing
comfort and emotional support through the calming presence of a pet.
Volunteers with talents in music, art, or crafts provide therapeutic activities that can bring joy and relaxation to patients. This might involve playing musical instruments, leading art projects, or organizing craft sessions.
Volunteers with training in counseling or psychology offer grief support to families who have lost a loved one. This can include individual counseling sessions, support groups, or phone check-ins.
Volunteers support families in remembering and honoring their loved ones by assisting with the planning and executing of memorial ceremonies and remembering events.
Experienced volunteers may be mentors, helping new volunteers acclimate to their responsibilities and providing ongoing support and guidance.
Volunteers assist with the training and orientation of new volunteers, sharing their experiences and helping to educate newcomers about hospice care and volunteer duties.
Volunteers are not permitted to provide physical care activities necessary to daily living like showers, toileting, lifting patients, medication administration or pain and symptom management. These services are a part of the patient plan of care and provided by trained nurses, CNA’s, and physicians.
Hospice volunteering can have a profound impact on patients and those who dedicate their time to this compassionate work. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers and the experiences they share with us.
Volunteering at Constellation Hospice is a very fulfilling experience and enables you to help patients and their families through one of life’s most significant periods. This is a flexible opportunity. Whether you give four hours a month or six hours a week, all efforts make a significant impact!
Let us help you utilize your time and talents! Volunteers share a wide variety of skills and represent a mix of cultural backgrounds and beliefs that fill in the gaps between loved ones and professional caregivers.
If you are ready to make a lasting impact, we would be honored to have you join our team of compassionate, committed volunteers. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those facing end-of-life challenges and create a more compassionate, supportive community.
