Volunteers Are the Heart of Hospice

Volunteers are a critical part of the care that ViaQuest Hospice provides – they form close bonds with patients and families and their presence is comforting and anticipated. Volunteers provide a smiling face, a hand to hold, and a sharing of love and compassion. Volunteers share their gifts in many ways, including:

• Patient care volunteers provide emotional support and practical assistance to enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients, families, and caregivers. These services include being available for companionship, listening, simply “being there,” sharing a walk, reading books or newspapers, watching television, and preparing meals.
• Bereavement volunteers provide bereavement support to families and caregivers by postal mail, phone calls and/or personal visits.
• Errands and transportation volunteers offer a type of practical support often needed by Hospice patients, families, and caregivers. These duties may include picking up needed prescriptions or supplies, or grocery shopping.
• Office volunteers lend their services working in ViaQuest Hospice’s administrative offices. These activities include assembling information packets, filing, photocopying, and assisting with fundraising or mailings.
• Volunteer Donations can be given as a way for volunteers to share their special talents, such as music and massage therapies, hairstyling services, or sewing gowns and crocheting lap robes for patients.