Your Time is the Greatest Gift!
Volunteering at James River Hospice
Volunteers are a vital, integral part of the interdisciplinary approach of the hospice program. Volunteers give freely of their time and talents to provide services in the community as an active team participant. Hospice Volunteers compassionately support patients and families during the end-of-life process, with an ability to empathize with the joys and sorrows inherent in life and death. Volunteers also assist with administrative office tasks, bereavement support and offer a variety of specialized skill sets.
Volunteer Roles
Volunteers are involved in various settings where Hospice services are provided.
Direct Patient Care Volunteers visit homes and facilities to provide companionship support to patients or family members, and short-term respite for Caregivers.
Companionship Support is offered through conversational life review, reading books, running errands, light house cleaning, playing cards or bingo, through music or song, television viewing, pet services, specialized skills such as cosmetology etc., veteran-to-veteran support and much more.
Short Term-Respite allows a caregiver or family member to get a much-needed opportunity to get things done, such as rest, grocery shop, attend a scheduled appointment or event for 1-4 hours. Volunteers will sit with the patient being the eyes and ears of Hospice while family members are away.
Administrative Volunteers provide support in office operations, assisting with clerical duties and responsibilities. Some of these tasks may include mailing preparation, general data entry, special events set-up or answering calls.
Bereavement Volunteers provide outreach to caregivers and family members who experienced loss of their loved one. Outreach involves making phone calls, bereavement mailings or helping to facilitate events or support groups.
Volunteering in Hospice offers a rewarding experience to serve others at the most vulnerable time of their lives. As a Volunteer you will be able to make a difference in the lives of others, experience personal growth and have a greater appreciation of the important things in life. No one is intended to walk this thing called life alone, so we’ll walk it together!
All volunteers are required to be 18+, complete a background check, drug screen, health appraisal and attend volunteer orientation/training.
Our Volunteer Coordinator works closely with families and volunteers to match opportunities and personalities to meet the needs of our patients and families.
