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Join Our Volunteer Team

Volunteers play an indispensable role in enabling Hospice of Washington County to offer the best care possible to our patients and their families. Our volunteers are caring, dependable and non-judgmental. They have an un-selfish desire to give of their time to help improve the quality of life of patients and families dealing with a terminal illness. Volunteers are supported in their role by the Volunteer Services Department, and a competent and caring team of nurses, aides, social workers and chaplains. No healthcare background or prior experience is needed.   

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers make a difference by engaging in weekly visits to patients at their place of residence and offering invaluable companionship and meaningful engagement. Volunteers provide support in many ways, such as:

  • Providing relief for family members so that they may have a few free hours to run errands or just relax
  • Providing companionship, emotional support, a listening ear, or a quiet presence to patients and family members
  • Assisting with errands, light housework, laundry, cooking or yard work
  • Providing a bedside vigil with patients during their final hours
  • Providing specialized comfort to patients with massage therapy, haircuts, pet therapy or music
  • Assisting with grief support after the death of a patient
  • Providing companionship to Veterans through the Vet-to-Vet Volunteer Program
  • Assisting patients and families with pet care through the Pet Peace of Mind Program

Volunteers who are not interested in direct patient contact support the hospice team in other ways, such as:

  • Providing support at the reception desk at Doey’s House and the Life Care of Washington County (Palliative Care) office in Boonsboro
  • Assisting with sorting and arranging flowers at Doey’s House
  • Assisting administrative staff with light office work
  • Assisting with community events and fundraisers

Training and Support

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we will teach you all you need to know in regard to the hospice approach to death and dying, and how to put these ideas into practice. Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer training program prior to visiting patients and families. Our volunteer training provides information on:

  • History and philosophy of hospice
  • Concepts of death and dying
  • Care and comfort measures
  • The role of the volunteer
  • Family dynamics and psychosocial aspects of caring for the dying
  • Patient Rights and Ethics
  • Concepts of Grief and Loss
  • Communication skills
  • Safety and Infection Control
  • Confidentiality and Compliance

Download a volunteer training flier

 

Becoming a Volunteer

Services are provided, referrals are made, and employment actions are made without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, handicap, or age. However, there are some requirements for becoming a Hospice of Washington County Volunteer:

  • Application
  • Interview
  • Background Check
  • 2 References
  • Complete volunteer training program

Download a pdf of the application

Please call 301-791-6360 or email volunteer@hospiceofwc.org for more information or to have an application mailed to you.