Hospice volunteers are special people.

While medical staff takes care of medical needs, volunteers help to make people comfortable and their days the best that they can be.

Some may sit with those who are at the end of life's journey. Others may do helpful things for the family or at a hospice office. But no matter whom it is or where, hospice volunteers provide a gift to others.

Volunteering requires some training if you wish to visit directly with patients.

Below is a list of just some of the many jobs a hospice volunteer may do:

• Administrative office work - copy, file, assemble admission packets
• Social visits - visit patients to offer companionship and support
• Caregiver relief - stay with a patient for a couple of hours to allow the caregiver time for a break
• Caregiver assistance - run errands and perform light household chores
• Massage therapy - certified massage therapists offer various types of massage
• Reiki therapy - reiki practitioners offer comfort for patients and families

Qualified volunteers must:

• Have the ability to listen with empathy and without judgment
• Have respect for all people no matter their creed, culture, gender or lifestyle
• Maintain confidentiality
• Complete the screening, training, reporting and ongoing education required of all hospice volunteers

There are other duties for hospice volunteers, such as helping with hospice fundraising and bereavement events that support our hospice patients and families. Learn more by reading Hospice Volunteers Helping People Live from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.