Volunteer
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 unselfish 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, simple cooking or yard work
Providing a bedside vigil with patients during their final hours
Providing specialized comfort to patients with massage therapy, Reiki, 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
Volunteers who are not interested in direct patient contact support the hospice team in other ways, such as:
Assisting administrative staff with light office work
Assisting with community events and fundraisers
Assembling grief toolkits for bereaved children in our area
Training and Support
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we will teach you all you need to know regarding 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
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
Flu Shot and TB test
Apply to be a Hospice of Washington County volunteer, today! Click HERE.
Please call (301) 791-6360 or email sziebarth@hospiceofwc.org for more information or questions on the application process.
Current volunteers, please log in for contact forms.
For questions, please call (301) 791-6360 or email howc-volunteer@hospiceofwc.org.