What is a Hospice Volunteer?

Hospice Volunteers Make a Profound Difference

By Robert Bruce Dalglish of Philadelphia

Volunteers at Allaince HospiceIt takes a very special kind of person to commit to volunteering their free time to helping patients, families and caregivers engaged in hospice care. At Alliance Hospice, we have ten very special working volunteers who are devoted to helping family members in need of some relief, and patients that are in need of some comfort and support.

Our volunteers have the opportunity to see 1-5 nursing home patients or in-home patients depending upon their availability, and each patient’s specific needs. The quality time that our volunteers devote is spent sharing stories, listening to stories, reading to patients, providing comfort and support, expressing prayer and devotion, helping with light housekeeping, assisting with writing letters, and relieving caregivers for short periods of time.

We are always looking to welcome new volunteers to our family at Alliance Hospice, and are especially seeking volunteers who can provide the following assistance: massage therapy, hairdressing, lawn care, music therapy, art therapy and pet therapy. Alliance Hospice greatly appreciates our wonderful volunteers and the incredibly meaningful impact they make.

About the Author
Bruce R. Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

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Disclaimer: Blogs by R. Bruce Dalglish provide educational information, not medical advice. Please consult with your medical providers when making end-of-life care decisions.