Volunteer Opportunities

• Direct Care Volunteer: Provides a range of companionship and support to patients and caregivers at the bedside.
• Administrative Volunteer: Supports the important office operations of the program.
• Loyal Friends Pet Companion Volunteer: Uses certified therapy animals to engage patients.
  • AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organization
• Smile Squad Volunteer: Young volunteers visit patients along with their adult guardian, and light up the room with the special joy that children bring.
• Music Companion Volunteer: Shares the gift of music with our patients and families.
• Vigil Volunteer: When family support is not available, we want to make sure that no patient dies alone.
• Spiritual Presence Volunteer: Engages patients in familiar activities that provide spiritual comfort.
• Legacy Volunteer: Uses crafts and multi-media to capture special memories and the unique legacy of each patient.
• Veteran Volunteer: No one understands the unique needs of our Veterans better than active or retired military personnel.
• Memory Bear Seamstress: Turns a patient’s clothing into a personalized stuffed bear for the family to cherish.
• Bereavement Volunteer: Provides support to families throughout their first year of bereavement services.

Volunteer selection begins with an application and interview in which potential volunteers may express their personal goals, availability, interests and talents. Our volunteers are carefully screened through a criminal background check, motor vehicle report, and personal references.

Direct Care Volunteers are required to participate in initial hospice volunteer training as well as basic orientation. Training is offered in different formats and locations throughout the AccentCare Hospice service areas. Specific skill sets may require additional interviews, selection, and program training.

Indirect Care Volunteers receive basic orientation, training specific to task undertaking, and are encouraged to attend initial hospice volunteer training. Volunteer training and orientation give volunteers an opportunity to learn new skills and become aware of skills they already possess.

• Hospice mission, history, and philosophy of care
• Role of the volunteer and the interdisciplinary team
• Spiritual and cultural diversity
• Confidentiality
• Listening and communication skills
• Patient care
• Disease processes
• Self-care
• Precautions
• Grief and bereavement
• Resources

Additional support meetings and educational opportunities are offered throughout the year as well as ongoing personal support and social gatherings.