Volunteer at a Hospice?

Question

After the horrible death of my younger brother I allways felt the desire to help out and volunteer at a place for the terminally ill. What is involved in such type of volunteer work? Can someone that works there give me some insight? I want to get a feel before I sign up and go through the training. Thanks a ton

Answer 1

I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know if a hospice is where you want to volunteer if you just lost your brother. It could be really hard for you. If you are comfertable to talk about it now then maybe. What about working as a fundraiser for a hospice house and thwen slowly work your way into the actual building. Or ow about volunteering at a camp with children who are terminally ill like http://www.campbarnabas.org/ if you live in the states.

As to what is involved for volunteers at a hospice home, you would probably be doing things like reading to the people there, talking with families, helping with meals, taking people for walks, Maybe talking to siblings of the resident,s about your experiences and things that helped you though it.

It is a very hard thing to do, but worth it. There is also no shame in letting yourself feel upset about what has happened.

Answer 2

Hey. I volunteered at a Hospice program for a few years in Newark, Ohio. I think you would really like it.

Some things I did there:

1. Stock towels and bedding
2. Bake cookies for visiting families
3. Decorate doors
4. Talk with patients (this is the majority of what I did)
5. Miscellaneous errands (stapling, filing)
6. Answer phone calls
7. Hand out meals
8. Clean

You have to realize though, that a lot of the time, the patients will be sleeping. Sometimes it can be boring, but don't let that turn you away!! Just remember that many of the patients will tend to be older (but I guess it depends on where you want to work). They won't always remember you, even if you had long, deep conversations. But their smiles are enough:)

Answer 3

Ive been a Hospice volunteer for over 12 years now since my grandpa died of an inoperable brain tumor. The first thing you have to accept is that you will be working with terminal patients. I know that sounds silly, but in my first group, there were many people who thought they would just beng working with "sick" people. You have to have compassion for others, and realize that death with dignity is the main goal, along with end of life comfort and care. These people dont want extreme measures taken to save them if they "crash".

I find it stressful at times, and I do take time off after every few deaths, to give myself a chance to regroup. I also only work with one family at a time, while some people chhose to do several at once and spend a few days a week visiting the patients.

When you first start, they will give you a relativley easy case. Not that any death is easy. Sometimes, you get close to that person, other times you dont. Everyone has a personality. If that person has family, you will be in contact with them as well so keep that in mind.

There are several different positions. They have visitors, councelors (must be licensed) bath team, respite care givers, etc. I find it very rewarding. After having them involved with my grandpa, we called them again when Grams got sick. Its a wonderful thing to be a volunteer and there is peace knowing that you helped someone else.

Answer 4

I work for a Home Health Agency and deal with elderly patients on the daily basis. Hospice is something that some people were meant to work for and some people just weren't cut out for. Hospice patients are terminal and I find it hard to fathom becoming emotionally attatched to someone knowing they were due to die at anytime, from a terminal diagnosis none the less. I would suggest that you try volunteering at a local senior residence befor diving into hospice. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

I haven't ever worked in a hospice but I have lost 5 family memebers to cancer over the years. One of my brothers was visited regularly (the other deaths was before hospice) by the hospice people.
They charged nothing and spent a lot of time with him. I think they helped him reach out to his god (something he has never done before and he died in peace as a result or so my sister said.
They also talked with him about options. Suicide was one and he was givern medicien and instruction onhow to end it all if he so chooce(which he did not) his othe roption was eventually a rest home in a comotose stupor which he did choose as his right.

You would have to be ready or able to see humans in the worst pain possible, and sometimes disfiguration of their body. And child with cancer would be a trying experience as you already know.

But as a hospice volunteer you can do wonders for the terminally ill. Many of them do not have family or family who care. Many o f them choose hospice to relive their family of responsiblity as did my brother(he was single). You can do much to make their last days count, but at the same time it can be a draining experience on you emotionally and physical so you have to know your limits and stay well yourself.
You would go (usually) to individual homes to visit those at home, visit hospice centers. Many volunteers accasionally do soem things such as shopping, or taking them to doctors visits ect. Often you wish to consult their family and see what would interest them that you can help with the patient with.
Essentially you are the last step or door to death for terminally ill and your job would be to make the last few days or months easier on them. This done by medicine (the center provides) and counseling or visiting.

Answer 6

I work at a hospice has a health care assistant. hospices would very much welcome you as a volunteer. Do in teas for patients or reception and even doing reki or reflexolgy. Get in touch with them you will get good support and you feel you are making a real difference. GO FOR IT! Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 7

Why don't you personally call up a hospice that you wish to volunteer at?