Volunteer at hospice

Who can be a hospice volunteer?

You may volunteer if you’re an adult or older teen of any background who is:

• Comfortable with death, dying and loss
• Devoted to enhancing quality of life for people with limited life expectancy
• Flexible and dependable
• In good physical health
• Nonjudgmental
• Sensitive, empathetic and able to act calmly in emotional situations

Volunteer requirements

To become a volunteer, you must also agree to:

• Criminal background check
• Health assessment
• Influenza (flu) vaccine
• Tuberculosis (TB) test

Time commitment

Commit to at least six months or 100 hours of volunteer work. For most positions, you’re encouraged to volunteer at least three hours each week.

Hospice volunteer settings

Bring your skills to:

• ProHealth AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc
• In-home hospice care

Hospice volunteer opportunities

Talk with our volunteer coordinator about how you can help us provide high-quality, comforting end-of-life care. Trust us to help you find a position that fits your skills, abilities and preferences – so you have a satisfying and rewarding volunteer experience.

Patient and family support

Work directly with hospice patients and their loved ones. Provide support, companionship and general assistance. For example, you may volunteer to:

• Assist nursing staff
• Greet AngelsGrace Hospice visitors
• Help with errands or housekeeping
• Keep patients company
• Offer bereavement support in person or over the phone
• Provide respite care
• Stay by a patient’s side during their final hours (vigil support)

Special services

If you’re licensed or certified in special services or therapies, improve hospice patients’ quality of life by sharing your skills. We welcome:

• Cosmetology services
• Massage therapy
• Pet therapy
• Reiki

Office and administrative support

Provide essential behind-the-scenes support that helps us improve care and patient and family satisfaction. Volunteers can:

• Assist our volunteer coordinator.
• Craft comfort items, such as handmade bears or prayer shawls.
• Help with typing, filing, mailing or other office tasks.
• Plan fundraisers or special events.
• Support our healing arts program.

Hospice volunteer training

Rely on us to provide free comprehensive training so you’ll feel confident in your role as a hospice volunteer. Participate in:

• Orientation
• Training in all aspects of hospice care, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual concerns
• Shadowing of experienced hospice volunteers
• Advanced training in vigil and bereavement support (for volunteers interested in these roles)
• Ongoing educational opportunities