Hospice volunteers try to help patients continue doing the things that matter most

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The Enhabit Hospice Family cherishes the impact our volunteers have on the patients and families we serve. Our volunteers are characterized by their selfless and heart-centered approach to life. They are caring people who offer their support and friendship to hospice patients and their families. These volunteers come from all walks of life, community members, retirees, homemakers, veterans, students, etc. Every volunteer is like a puzzle piece, ready to fulfill a need which only they can provide. Volunteers can exemplify this ability with our patients in a number of ways; sometimes it’s as simple as providing companionship and listening, holding a hand or giving a needed hug. The possibilities are nearly limitless; playing an instrument, cutting hair, mowing the lawn, even walking dogs, are all ways volunteers have shown up to enrich the lives of patients! Volunteers provide support to family members as well, by staying with patients while a family member enjoys a moment alone or runs errands. Some of our volunteers assist with activities in our office & remotely such providing support to our caregivers via the telephone, basic clerical support such as mailing bereavement letters, etc. Whether you give one hour a week or one hour a month, the time you share with us and our patients is priceless. All volunteers are orientated to the hospice philosophy and trained to develop helpful skills in caring for and communicating with our hospice patients and families. Our volunteers share with us every day how much the experience with hospice patients and their families have enriched their lives. I would like to offer that opportunity to you. What is a hospice volunteer?

A hospice diagnosis signifies a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, which can significantly impact patients. The Enhabit Hospice team is focused on quality of life, we help patients by allowing them to spend their remaining time with dignity and minimal suffering while receiving emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their family.

Hospice volunteers provide companionship by listening to patients’ stories and engaging in their interests. Often a diagnosis or medical condition will disrupt a patient’s passion. Hospice volunteers try to help patients continue doing the things that matter most to them while living with a terminal illness. Volunteers can help grant hospice patient's last wishes.

Hospice volunteers are compassionate individuals who provide comfort and support to patients facing a life-limiting illness. Volunteers offer specialized skills and support outside of the clinical team.

There is no one-size-fits-all to what makes a hospice volunteer. Some volunteers participate because they want to give back to the community or they might have a special talent that brings joy to others. However, each volunteer makes a significant impact on patients and their families.

What does a hospice volunteer do?

Volunteers ensure that the patient and family’s needs are met in a variety of ways. This can be through companionship, assisting with everyday tasks or providing respite time to a patient’s caregivers. Hospice volunteers can also make an impact by assisting the hospice agency with administrative duties.

This can look like:

• Sitting with a patient, socializing and providing a listening ear
• Helping with general office support (mailings & answering the phone)
• Running errands for patients and families
• Writing a journal or life story with patients as a memento for the family
• Playing games, reading or listening to music with patients
• Walking or caring for family pets
• Assisting with light house cleaning
• Providing bereavement support for family members
• Assist with the Memorial Service

Hospice volunteers have the unique opportunity to provide a type of care that is companionship-based. This non-clinical support oftentimes helps patients remain in high spirits. It might even give them or their loved ones a break from thinking about their illness.

How do I become a hospice volunteer?

It is clear that hospice volunteers can make significant impacts in the lives of patients and loved ones navigating the end-of-life journey. If you feel called to do the same, consider becoming a hospice volunteer.

To volunteer with Enhabit, you must:

Be 14+ years old, live within 60 miles of Wichita, provide a social security number to complete criminal background checks, a 2-step tuberculosis test, and a drug test (all paid for by Enhabit), and have experienced no significant personal loss in the past year and keep a current auto insurance card on file with volunteer name on the policy.

Getting started as a hospice volunteer is very easy, the first step is to set up a volunteer interview to learn more. Enhabit has a volunteer coordinator to help you get started on your volunteer journey and give you support every step of the way. We look forward to working together to provide a better way to care for our patients and their loved ones.

We are looking forward to hearing from you, please click "I want to help" and the volunteer coordinator in our Wichita office will respond quickly to get you started!