"[Our volunteer] was exceptional in his caring and attentiveness. He provided comfort and humor to Dad, and was a true blessing to the family."
A Patient's Daughter
"[Our volunteer] was exceptional in his caring and attentiveness. He provided comfort and humor to Dad, and was a true blessing to the family."
A Patient's Daughter
Volunteers: Caregivers and Friends
Volunteers provide companionship to patients and families at a time when many people hesitate to ask for help. Patients are encouraged to add volunteer services to their caregiving team.
What do volunteers do?
Hospice philosophy encompasses all a patient's needs, not just the basic need for everyday treatments. In the same way the caregiving team provides medical care or chaplains provide spiritual guidance, volunteers provide much-needed social interaction at a time when patients may feel isolated from others.
Volunteers offer relief, friendship, and affection. More simply, they spend "quality time" with the patient. He or she might...
Our families tell us that the small things, like helping with errands, reading aloud, or just listening make all the difference to the patients and their caregivers.
What will my volunteer be like?
Our volunteers are as diverse in age, background, and interests as our patients. They bring unique skills and life experiences to their patients and families. We try to match each patient to a volunteer with complementary interests. For example, a patient who can no longer read books may enjoy the company of a VolunTEEN who likes to read aloud, or a lifelong Methodist may be paired with a member of a local Methodist men's group. Our Admissions staff will consult with the volunteer department to find a companion for each person.
Despite differences in upbringing, education, etc., all our volunteers...
Are 16 years or older [Youths 16-18 may join the VolunTEEN program]Are open and acceptingFind pleasure in helping othersKeep promises to others
Our staff will discuss volunteer visits with each patient during the Admissions process. Patients and family may choose their level of involvement in the volunteer program.
For other questions about volunteers, the caregiving staff, or hospice care in general, feel free to call Janet Heafner, Admissions Coordinator, at 828/466-0466, ext. 2379, or email her at jheafner@pchcv.org.
If helping others through friendship appeals to you, read more about becoming a volunteer. Or, call Eva Narvaez, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 828/466-0466, ext. 2203, or email her at enarvaez@pchcv.org.
