HomeCare & Hospice is Seeking Patient & Bereavement Volunteers in Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, and Cattaraugus Counties
HomeCare & Hospice is looking for caring individuals, professionals, and service veterans who are willing to use their skills and experiences to enhance the lives of hospice patients, many of whom have chosen to spend their remaining days at home with their families. Both patients and their families not only require the help of the medical, aide, spiritual, and social work team provided by HomeCare & Hospice, but also need the support and respite that can be performed by compassionate members of the community. Volunteers can bring their attention, ability to listen, and their own shared life experiences to expand patients’ horizons at a time when illness has limited the connections to their former world.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. We are in need of those willing to provide companionship - meeting patients in their homes, in the hospital, or in a nursing home where they converse with the patient, read, play games, serve prepared meals, etc. This allows the caregiver to receive a short respite while knowing that their loved one is safe and comfortable.
If you enjoy being with people and would like to make a real difference in the lives of others, please consider learning more about this critically important endeavor.
Patient Volunteers
Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? As a Patient Volunteer, you’ll provide invaluable companionship and support to patients and their families. Here’s how you can help:
· Provide Respite: Sit with patients, offering caregivers a much-needed break.
· Offer Companionship: Share conversations, listen to stories, reminisce, and be a comforting presence.
· Engage in Special Projects: Help patients reflect on their lives through memory-sharing activities, like creating scrapbooks, writing letters to loved ones, or bedside art and music.
· Lend a Helping Hand: Assist with light household tasks, puzzles, or other activities to brighten the day.
· Run Errands: Pick up groceries, prescriptions, or handle other small tasks to ease the burden on families.
· Be Observant: Share any patient concerns with team members to ensure the best care is possible.
· Maintain Confidentiality: Respect and protect the privacy of the patients and families you serve.
Examples of support include reading to patients, doing puzzles, helping with light chores, or simply being there while a caregiver runs errands. Your presence can make a world of difference. Join our team and become a compassionate companion who brings comfort and care to those who need it most
Bereavement Volunteers
Are you compassionate and empathetic? As a Bereavement Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting grieving families as they navigate their journey of healing. Here’s how you can help:
· Provide Comfort: Offer support to families through visits, phone calls, or thoughtful mailings.
· Assist with Special Events: Help organize and participate in bereavement community events that honor and support families.
· Be Observant: Share any relevant insights with the care team to ensure families receive the best support possible.
· Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and trust of the families you serve.
Your kindness and presence can bring comfort and hope to families during difficult times. Join us as a Bereavement Volunteer and help families find solace and strength.
Volunteer Training: Patient, Bereavement, and Office Volunteers must go through the same application and training process of that of a paid Hospice employee because they are working directly with patients or patient information. An annual physical, MMR vaccination, and initial PPD test is required to volunteer, and we will provide these at our expense.
Learn more about HomeCare & Hospice's volunteer opportunities at: https://homecare-hospvent Volunteers do not have to go through the application and training process.ce.org/volunteer/
