Bedside volunteers for patients who would otherwise die alone - Vigil Volunteer

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Enhabit vigil volunteers are specifically called to go wherever people are dying-hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes. Sometimes, the patients volunteers visit are conscious, but often, the patients are unable to communicate.

So why do they do it?

Volunteers find that it’s a peaceful experience, one that helps them come to terms with thier own mortality. Volunteers often begin by wiping the patient’s face and hands with a warm washcloth in order to soothe them, then hold the patients hand, read cards aloud that the family has sent or just sits with them, volunteers find that whether or not the patient is alert the patient can recognize the presence of another person. While many vigil volunteers are sent to the bedsides of those who would otherwise die alone, sometimes, the family is present and in need of support.

Many people will be surprised to know that for the patients these volunteers visit, death is often peaceful and natural. Volunteers report that it’s a beautiful transition to watch not sad, but magical. The reason volunteers do this is because we believe that nobody should die alone.

Please reach out to Enhabit today to learn more, we would love to have you join the volunteer team. We have a volunteer coordinator that can help you get started & provide support to you on your volunteer journey.