“Volunteers
do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart”
-Elizabeth
Andrew
Volunteers hold a very special place
in hospice. In fact, the idea of hospice was born once volunteers began
dedicating their time to helping others navigate a difficult and vital life
transition. That is why Faith and Hope holds our volunteers on a high pedestal.
We would not be where we are today without their selfless dedication towards
continuing what our past role models created so many years ago.
People decide to volunteer within
hospice for many different reasons. One of the most common reasons is because
they have had a personal experience of a loved one that utilized hospice
services, which turned into an overall compassionate encounter. Having a loved
one depart from us is never an easy experience. The ones that offer
compassionate care during that time is what helps make it that much more
bearable as we weather the storm together. Volunteering is their way of
expressing gratitude and replicating the kindness they received through hospice
staff. We do recommend to wait at
least a year after your loved one has passed on before volunteering. The reason
being is that progressing through the grieving process is much more prevalent
during that first year. It could make it harder for a volunteer to navigate
their own emotions of grief if taking on too much right away. Waiting a certain
amount of time will ultimately make the volunteering experience much more
rewarding for both you, the patients, and their loved ones.
Another reason
we hear from our volunteers is that they felt a higher calling to donate their
time within hospice because they wanted to learn more about the end-of-life
process. As we all know, that process is special to each patient and family
with no story being the same. However, there are common threads that connect
those stories, which is what makes volunteering unique within itself. We hope
our volunteers implement that connection into their own personal lives in order
to create a chain reaction of kindness and humility. It really does take just
one person to make a lasting impact within their communities so why not start
by helping others during one of the most difficult times of their lives. It is
important to remember that our patients and families are creating a lasting
impact on the volunteer as well. Hence, creating memories and lessons that will
stay with everyone for a lifetime.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please reach
out and let us know. We love hearing about your experiences and would
appreciate any feedback on how we and our volunteers helped you and your family
through this journey. All of our volunteers attend an orientation and receive
on going supportive care through our agency. Volunteers is what hospice was
built on and therefore, will forever remain an integral part of how we provide
exceptional care.
Remember, as
Ann Richardson said, “We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the
journey.”
~
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a hospice volunteer,
please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Girling, MSW. You can reach her
at 818-559-1460 or by email sgirling@faithandhopehospice.com
Get In Touch With One Of Our Knowledgeable Advisors
We are ready to help you or a loved one during the end of life process by creating a fully customized care plan.