April 17-23 is National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the selfless contributions of volunteers in hospice care. At Faith and Hope Hospice in Los Angeles, our volunteers are integral to providing compassionate support to patients and families.
The Role of Hospice Volunteers
Faith and Hope Hospice volunteers offer various services, including companionship, emotional support, running errands, and assisting with daily tasks. Their presence brings comfort and companionship to patients, alleviating loneliness and isolation. Volunteers also provide respite to caregivers, allowing them to take a break and recharge.
Celebrating Volunteer Dedication
During National Volunteer Week, Faith and Hope Hospice celebrates the dedication and compassion of our volunteers. We honor their commitment to serving others and recognize the difference they make in the lives of our patients and families. Their kindness and generosity inspire us all to strive for a more compassionate world.
How to Volunteer with Faith and Hope Hospice
If you’re interested in volunteering at Faith and Hope Hospice, we invite you to join our team. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support to prepare for their role. Your time and compassion can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing end-of-life care.
Interested in Volunteering
There are numerous ways to volunteer with Faith and Hope Hospice. These include direct care, which may involve providing emotional support for the patient, family, and friends, as well as companionship, engaging in art activities, and more. Indirect care opportunities are also available, such as clerical work and assisting with fundraisers and community events.
Our agency provides an orientation that covers protocol, expectations, an overview of Los Angeles hospice, and an introduction to common hospice patient issues. We also offer ongoing educational opportunities yearly to ensure our volunteers are well-prepared.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to work directly with our patients. However, underage volunteers may assist with clerical tasks and community events, with a minimum age of 16 years.
No previous experience is necessary. We provide training and ongoing support to help you succeed in your role.
Volunteers must pass a background check, obtain CPR certification, and attend an orientation that covers the hospice philosophy, working within an interdisciplinary team, and documentation for visits.
Volunteering with the Patient
The Volunteer Coordinator assigns patients to volunteers based on similar interests, location, and the number of patients a volunteer wishes to work with.
After being assigned the patient of faith and Hope, the Volunteer Coordinator will instruct the volunteer on who to contact to schedule a visit. Volunteers may reach out via phone to determine the best time to visit.
The Volunteer Coordinator determines the frequency of volunteer visits based on the needs and desires of the patient, family, and friends. The frequency is reassessed at every recertification period.
We provide mileage reimbursement to volunteers who use their vehicles to visit their assigned patients.
National Volunteer Week is a time to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of hospice volunteers. At Faith and Hope Hospice in Los Angeles, our volunteers are crucial to our care team, providing comfort, companionship, and support to our patients and families. Join us in recognizing and thanking our volunteers for their dedication and compassion during this special week.