Volunteers are Vital!
Affinity volunteers complete the circle of care that is extended to each Affinity hospice patient. Volunteers improve patients’ quality of life by supplementing attention and companionship provided by Affinity’s medical staff. Additionally, Administrative Support Volunteers assist with clerical support duties in our office.
What is a hospice volunteer?
A Hospice volunteer is someone like you and me who is willing to step forward at a time of need to demonstrate caring to those facing end of life issues.
Volunteers share gifts and talents they are comfortable sharing with others: a craft, a phone call, energy or time. There is a place for anyone who wants to share their time with another.
Each day families are challenged with how to arrange personal needs without compromising care for their loved one. One way volunteers assist is by sitting with the patient allowing family members an opportunity to arrange personal appointments or time away for themselves.
Frequently during the time a person’s health declines, the patient and caregiver have a difficult time maintaining social contacts. Their social contacts dwindle to a handful of friends and caregivers. Volunteers can provide social stimulation for patients as well as caregivers.
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers establish the amount of time they have available to participate whether it be a few hours a week or month. Patient Care Volunteers are asked to give at least four hours a month.
The volunteer, caregiver and the Volunteer Coordinator work together to establish a schedule, allowing both structure and flexibility.
What does a hospice volunteer really do?
Although volunteers may be called upon for unique or one time special projects, an Affinity Home Hospice Volunteer’s responsibilities generally fall into one of the following categories:
Administrative Volunteers provide general office or clerical support services such as:
- Typing
- Filing
- Record-keeping
- Special projects
- Mail-outs
- Data entry
Patient Care Volunteers provide non-medical support services such as:
- Friendly visiting
- Writing letters
- Telephoning patients
- Reading
- Preparing light meals or snacks
- Light housekeeping
- Running errands
- Companionship
- Sending cards
Special Resource Volunteers provide professional expertise or skill and are called upon on an as needed basis for assignments such as:
- Massage Therapy
- Household repairs
- Yard work
- Cosmetology
How do I become a volunteer?
We would be delighted for you to volunteer with Affinity Home Hospice Services! If you are interested in joining our team and becoming a volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 205.949.0400 or 866.697.0400. Click here to complete our online volunteer application.
Volunteers are required to complete an application and screening process and will receive adequate training before a placement is made. The orientation and training will give you a better understanding of Hospice, the policies and procedures which we must follow, as well as an outline of duties and responsibilities.
