Becoming a hospice volunteer is a meaningful commitment that requires thoughtfulness and self-reflection. Before committing, we encourage you to consider the following:
- A Passion for Hospice Care – you have an interest in the hospice concept and a sincere desire to support individuals and their families living with a life-limiting illness.
- Understanding your Motivation – you are aware of what draws you to this type of volunteer work and are open to exploring it further.
- Sensitivity to End-of-Life Needs – you recognize the unique needs of individuals at the end of life and their chosen family, and you are committed to providing compassionate support.
- Personal Experience with Loss – you’ve reflected on your own experiences with grief and loss and have a perspective on life, death and bereavement.
- Self-Care and Resilience – you have a strong personal support system and healthy ways of managing stress, enabling you to cope with the emotional challenges of this work.
- Openness and Respect – you respect diverse beliefs, values and ways of living and are willing to support people without judgement.
- Listening and Validation – you listen with empathy and meet individuals where they are, rather than where you think they should be.
- Adaptability and Self-Awareness – You are flexible, adaptable, have a realistic understanding of your strengths and limitations. Setting personal boundaries is important in this role.
- Teamwork and Continuous Learning – you are willing to work as part of a team, offering and receiving support from fellow volunteers and staff. You are open to ongoing learning and personal growth.
- Commitment to Training and Responsibilities – you are prepared to complete the necessary training and uphold the responsibilities of hospice volunteer, including adhering to hospice care standards and policies.
- Being Present, Not Changing Others – you understand that the role of a hospice volunteer is to provide companionship and support, not to change or influence others.
If you feel that this role aligns with your values and abilities, we welcome your application and look forward to supporting you on this journey.
