Becoming a Volunteer
Benefits of Volunteering for Hospice
Volunteering for hospice is very rewarding. When you become a volunteer, you can make a difference to the patient and their loved ones at a time when they need it most. You have the chance to make connections that are meaningful. Moreover, you get to learn more about the person you are visiting. Not only are you helping the patient and their family, but you are also helping Gilchrist. We have also heard from our volunteers that they come away from the experience with a new appreciation for life.
Adult Volunteer Program
Who qualifies for the Adult Volunteer program
• 18 years of age or older and out of high school. Students enrolled in any post-secondary school including undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate or medical school, please apply thru the College Program below.
• Willing to commit to 2 hours a week of service for a minimum of 6 months
Next Steps
Completing an online application is the first step to becoming a volunteer. Applications are reviewed by Volunteer Services and potential candidates are contacted for an interview. During the interview process, applicants can share more detail about their interest in volunteering, obtain answers to questions they may have and learn about the Department of Volunteer Services, our requirements for volunteering and more details about current volunteer openings.
Applicant Requirements:
Applicants who are offered a volunteer role will be required to:
• Complete Hospice Orientation
• Complete HIPAA Training
• Provide proof of Covid vaccination
• Provide documentation of a current (within 12 months) PPD test
• Provide documentation of Flu vaccine (during flu season only)
• Complete an authorization for Criminal Background Check
How to apply:
Use our online application form to apply for a volunteer position at Gilchrist.
College Volunteer Program
What are the benefits of volunteering at Gilchrist?
• Provide much needed support and companionship to hospice patients and their families
• Gain experience working with the chronically ill and dying
• Opportunity for exposure to various health care settings
• Educational opportunities
What services can volunteers perform?
• Volunteers offer companionship that might include playing games, reading, crafts, music, taking walks or simply providing a comforting presence.
• For caregivers, volunteers can offer support through conversation and listening, encouraging them to share stories or memories.
• Specialty services such as caring touch, legacy journaling, music support (once approved)
• Each patient and family will have different needs, and you will learn how to tailor your activities to each individual’s interests and preferences.
What services can’t volunteers perform?
• Feeding, bathing, dressing or toileting patients
• Transporting patients
• Administering medications or any other clinical activities
Where could volunteers serve?
• Patient homes
• Senior Living Communities
• Gilchrist Hospice Centers
Besides companionship what other opportunities might occur while you are serving?
• Participation in Interdisciplinary Team meetings
• Shadowing with a hospice MD or APP
• Additional monthly training sessions on topics such as: Communicating with Dementia patients, Boundaries, Doula certification, etc.
• Administrative support
Applicant Requirements
• Must be a rising junior or senior undergraduate or above
• Available at least 2 hours/week and/or 60 hours for the academic year
• Complete 16 hours of training – virtually and in-person
• Required to attend orientation
• Attend Quarterly In-Service Trainings
• Provide immunization records including: flu vaccination (December-May), Covid vaccination, TB test performed within the last 12 months
• Complete an authorization for a background check
Dates to Remember
· Application Dates: June 2 – July 11. No applications will be accepted after midnight on July 11th.
· Zoom Interviews will be held between July 21 – August 1st. Sign-ups will be posted by July 15th.
· Notification of acceptance into the program will be emailed August 8th.
· All onboarding documents must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on September 8th. It is the responsibility of the student to check that the information is complete. If a complete set of documents is not submitted, you will not be invited to the orientation.
· Orientation will be offered in person or virtually and will be held at 5:00pm on September 15th. A make-up session may be offered on September 17th. Attendance at this session is MANDATORY.
· Your schedule will be emailed to you by September 19th and shifts will begin the week of September 22nd.
Other Important Program Information
• Your schedule will be determined at the beginning of each semester. Changes to your schedule are subject to the needs of our patients and at the discretion of the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Volunteers are not expected to take an assignment during winter or spring break.
• THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF COLLEGE VOLUNTEER SLOTS AVAILABLE
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN JUNE 2 – JULY 11. THE LINK WILL BE POSTED ON THIS PAGE.
Volunteer Opportunities for 16–18-Year-Old Young Adults
Is there an application deadline before the June 8 training?
Yes. The application deadline is Friday, May 16. This allows teens to complete required online learning modules and attend a mandatory virtual informational session before the in-person training on Saturday, June 8. We will offer two informational sessions. You must attend one with at least one parent or legal guardian.
Are teens required to submit any paperwork in addition to the initial application?
Yes. Along with the completed application, teens must submit:
• One academic reference from a teacher
• One character reference from a coach, counselor, supervisor, or other adult mentor (not a family member)
• A parent/guardian-signed expectations form
• A student-signed expectations form acknowledging your role as a Gen2Gen volunteer
• Provide up to date COVID and Flu vaccinations, and favorable TB test results
Is there anything else I need to do before the June 8 training?
Yes. Prior to training, you must:
• Attend one virtual informational session with your parent/guardian
• Complete five online training modules in HomeCare Pulse
Are the first 10 applicants automatically accepted, or is there a screening process?
No, acceptance is not first-come, first-served. All students who apply by May 16 and submit a completed application will go through a screening and interview process led by the Gilchrist Volunteer Department.
Selection will be based on:
• Demonstrated passion for serving seniors
• Strong emotional intelligence, especially empathy and compassion
• Curiosity and openness to learning
• Ability to commit at least two hours per week for a 12-month period
• Space available in the program
• Best match of neighborhood volunteer leaders and students
• Fit between student and senior living communities
• Geographic location
The interview helps us get to know you—your interests, communication style, and what you hope to gain. It’s also a chance for you to see if the program is the right fit.
If you’re not selected for the initial cohort, we encourage you to stay in touch for future opportunities.
Are there eligibility requirements beyond being 16–18 years old?
Yes. Applicants must:
• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average)
• Have reliable transportation (preference for those who can drive themselves)
• Commit to 2 hours/week for at least one year
• Provide strong, positive references
• Be up to date on COVID and Flu vaccinations, and provide favorable TB test results
What happens if I miss a visit to my assigned patient(s)?
We understand that emergencies and vacations happen. If you can’t make a visit, please notify the patient (if appropriate), the senior living community, the family, and your volunteer coordinator. Unplanned absences should be rare. If they become a pattern, we’ll schedule a meeting to revisit your commitment. Many seniors eagerly anticipate your visits. Please treat them with dignity, respect, and kindness by honoring your schedule.
Where will teens be volunteering?
Teens will be placed in senior living communities near where they live to strengthen intergenerational connections and support local community ties.
Are there a set number of slots for each area, and will this affect acceptance?
There is no strict cap per area, but we aim for even distribution across service regions.
If one area receives many applications, not all applicants from that region may be accepted. Final decisions are made by the Gen2Gen Volunteer Coordinator and the Director of Counseling and Support, based on:
• Senior living capacity
• Mentor availability
• Program needs
If I’m not selected for the first cohort, will there be future opportunities?
Yes! This is just the beginning. Students who are not selected for the first cohort but are otherwise accepted will be notified of upcoming training opportunities as the program expands and more mentor partnerships are developed.
What will I be doing as a Gen2Gen volunteer?
You’ll visit hospice patients to offer companionship and social support. Activities may include:
• Engaging in conversation
• Playing games
• Sharing music or hobbies
• Sitting at the bedside to offer a compassionate presence
The goal is to create meaningful intergenerational relationships and bring joy to the lives of seniors.
Will there be any supervision or mentorship?
Yes. Each teen will be paired with a trained Gilchrist neighborhood volunteer mentor who will:
• Provide shadowing opportunities
• Answer questions
• Offer support and guidance
In addition, Lindsey Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator, and Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support, will oversee the program.
Can I earn service hours or school credit?
Absolutely! We’re happy to verify your hours for school, honor societies, or community service programs.
Please let us know in advance if you need documentation or forms completed.
If I have questions, who should I contact?
Reach out to Lindsey Brooks
📧 LiBrooks@gilchristcares.org
📞 443.862.5056
