Volunteer Support for Families and Patients
Volunteer support is a crucial resource for families that provides compassionate support at home, at long-term care facilities and at Gilchrist inpatient centers. Volunteers can provide companionship, run errands, give respite to caregivers and much more.
The Role of the Volunteer
Hospice volunteers play a vital role in hospice care organizations. Volunteers do not provide any medical care or healthcare advice. They simply spend time with the patient and their family, talking to them and providing companionship. Volunteers often play the patient’s favorite games with them, read out loud to them, or talk about current events if that is of interest to the patient.
Volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge and life perspectives. They are all choosing to spend their time with patients because they want to help. All of our volunteers have gone through extensive training. Volunteers are trained to look for and meet the needs of the patient and their family. In addition to the tasks discussed above, volunteers also provide special services.
Special Services Include:
- Companionship at the bedside (end-of-life doulas) during the final stages of life
- Service salutes to veterans
- Life review volunteers who reminisce and record life stories
- Providing comfort and support
- Help to the patient’s caregiver with their errands
- Light housekeeping and assistance with chores
- Preparation of light meals
All Gilchrist volunteers are carefully screened and trained, and they are committed to enhancing the quality of life of the families they serve. Hospice volunteers provide patients and their families compassionate care, while making personal connections.
If you are in need of volunteer support, call 888.823.8880
Interested in Volunteering? Learn how you can help.
