FAIRHOPE Hospice & Palliative Care volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the experiences of our patients and their families at the end-of-life. They are drawn to hospice volunteering for a variety of reasons, but the characteristics that define and unite them are compassion and the desire to help others. Representing all ages and life experiences, their many skills are matched to important tasks within Fairhope’s mission.
Volunteer opportunities are as varied as our volunteers’ time, skills and interests.
Listen. Hold a hand. Talk. Hug. Share. Make gifts for patients. Sing. Read to someone. Bake. File. Record or enter data. Take photographs. Give a tour. Garden. Create. Make phone calls. Parade. Laugh. Make new friends. Plan an event. Fundraise. Support. Learn. Welcome visitors. Be part of the We Honor Veterans program. Just be there.
There is sure to be one that will allow you to use your talents to make a difference in the lives of others – and your own too. Donate your time and become a hospice volunteer. We encourage you to call to register for our upcoming volunteer training sessions. We are certain that you will agree with our current volunteers: they receive much more than they give.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
WHY FAIRHOPE HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS ARE IMPORTANT
When the Hospice Medicare Benefit was created in 1982, it became America’s first federal mandate for the use of volunteers.
“…a hospice must document and maintain a volunteer staff sufficient to provide administrative or direct patient care in an amount that, at a minimum, equals 5 percent of the total patient care hours by all paid hospice employees and contract staff.”
Volunteers for hospice care agencies are required operationally to meet this regulation; while humanitarianly adding a personal touch, assisting patients and families at one of the most difficult time in life’s journey.
Volunteering at FAIRHOPE is so rewarding. I treasure the time I spend with patients and families.
-Donna Smith, Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Patient & Family Volunteers – Act as extension of the family in providing support to the patient and caregiver. Companion volunteers are trained to handle all situations which may arise while they are in the patient’s home. These volunteers:
- provide companionship and friendship
- perform simple chores
- offer caregiver respite by sitting with the patient so the caregiver can attend to other tasks in, or outside, the home
Office Support Volunteers – Work in Fairhope’s office and assist with tasks which are significant to maintain the organization’s operations. These volunteers assist with:
- greeting guests at Fairhope’s Pickering House
- mailings
- filing
- making copies
- special projects and other clerical tasks
Community Outreach Volunteers – Represent Fairhope in the community and spread the word about the programs and services we offer. These volunteers:
- participate in the Speaker’s Bureau
- staff Fairhope booths at community events and fairs
- recruit new volunteers and supporters
- assist with fundraising projects and Fairhope events
What type of training is required?
All Fairhope Hospice & Palliative Care volunteers go through a class which reviews the basics of hospice volunteering with specialized instruction geared toward the volunteer’s area of interest. Training takes from 4 to 21 hours, depending on the type of volunteering.