Tips for Visiting Someone on Hospice - Hutchison area

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Call ahead and ask when you should come

Sit, don’t stand

Take off your coat.

Be at eye level with the patient

Make eye contact

Let the conversation go where the patient wants it to go. Listen to their anger or fears or tears. Or don’t talk about death and dying at all, if that’s not where they go.

If you think this is something that you would enjoy - please reach out the the volunteer coordinator at Enhabit to learn more. We have patients that would love you to visit them!

After volunteer orientation and training, you’ll be ready to start the meaningful work of a hospice volunteer. If you have particular area of interest, such as working with dementia patients or helping people who are grieving, the hospice staff can provide additional training.

Characteristics of a Hospice Volunteer

Every hospice care volunteer brings unique talents and perspectives. The volunteer coordinator gets to know the volunteer on a personal level and does their best to match the volunteer’s skills and preferences to the patient’s needs and interests.

What Do Hospice Volunteers Do? Direct Patient Interaction

These hospice volunteers interact directly with patients. They travel to the patient’s home, nursing home or long-term care facility and help by:

• Spending time and being present with the patient
• Reading or playing soothing music
• Playing games like cards or board games
• Writing legacy letters with the patient
• Cooking meals
• Doing light household chores
• Providing respite so family caregivers can take a break
• Drawing on special skills such as providing haircuts or manicures, playing an instrument or creating art projects

We would love to have you on our team, please reach out to Enhabit's volunteer coordinator to schedule a time to meet to learn more!!