When we think about healthcare volunteers we think about assisting people in the recovery process. What most people do not think about is helping other die. It may sound morbid but hospice volunteers play a very important role in helping people die with dignity and helping their families through the grieving process. Hospice care, also referred to as palliative care, is a special type of medical care given to those with terminal illnesses or who are close to dying and do not want to be kept alive artificially. Hospice volunteers take pride in their work as they help to de-institutionalize dying. They can work in hospice centers or visit patients at home.
There are several different ways hospice volunteers can help the dying. One way is to visit with patients, bring them music, read to them, take them for walks when they can or simply just be there for them. Volunteers can also offer respite care to relieve family members who are keeping vigil by a loved one’s bedside or offer to run errands for spouses or other family of the dying. They can also provide child and pet care, do housework and whatever the family and patient need to ease the dying process. Hospice volunteers also provide bereavement support after the patient has passed away. They can help with funeral arrangements or even bring food for the families. There are so many things a hospice volunteer can do for the patients and families.
Hospice volunteers are a vital part of providing hospice care. The government requires that at least five percent of work hours be fulfilled by volunteers to receive federal funding. Because of the extremely emotional aspect of helping people die, hospice volunteers are required to participate in an extensive training program. This training covers how to deal with dying patients and their families and also coping mechanisms for volunteers. Hospice volunteers become emotionally tied to their patients and the patient’s families and it is important that they receive regular counseling session to work through their own grief issues. For those willing to help volunteering for a hospice program can be very rewarding.