Hospice of Dickinson County Volunteers

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention…”

Hospice of Dickinson County Volunteers

The Hospice of Dickinson County volunteers are an integral part of the caring services hospice offers to terminally ill patients. Hospice volunteers may provide respite care to hospice family members, perform clerical duties, complete marketing projects, and assist with fundraising and education.  All hospice volunteers must participate in a special training.

 

Volunteer Programs

Volunteer Training

Volunteers receive an initial orientation to the volunteer program and additional training sessions are available throughout the year on various topics related to hospice and palliative care.

Orientation topics include:

  • The history and philosophy of hospice
  • An overview of services
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Patient care
  • The process of death and dying
  • Methods of offering compassionate care to the terminally ill patient and their loved ones

Volunteer Opportunities

  1. 1
    Bereavement Support Program

    Hospice families are not forgotten after a death. Volunteers are an integral part of Hospice’s Bereavement Support Program.  They visit bereaved family members and help with mailings of bereavement support materials.

  2. 2
    Chaplain Program

    Volunteer chaplains provide spiritual support to patients, family members, and staff. Chaplains are compassionate and non-judgmental listeners. They can pray with someone (if requested), and offer encouragement and spiritual support.

  3. 3
    Fundraising and Administrative Support

    Volunteers with clerical skills serve Hospice by helping in the office with simple administrative duties. Fundraising responsibilities range from preparing mailings or thank you letters to helping with fundraising events.

  4. 4
    Patient Support

    This can include visiting, reading, taking walks, writing letters, bringing in music, running errands, or sometimes just sitting quietly and holding a patient’s hand.

  5. 5
    Respite and Support for Family Members

    Hospice volunteers assist with shopping and light household duties, or allow family caregivers the opportunity to take care of necessary errands and get some time away from the house. Family members also appreciate a visit from a compassionate friend who understands what they are going through.

How to Sign Up!

 

If you are interested in signing up or you just want more information on the hospice volunteer program, you may do so by contacting our Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Adrianne Unruh at:

785-263-6630 Ext. 6403

Or you may contact us on our  Facebook page:

Home Health & Hospice of Dickinson County

 

2023 Schedule of Events

DATEEVENTTIMELOCATION
January 12Annual Hospice Meeting6:30PMAbilene HH&H
1111 N Brady
February 9 -10New Volunteer Training4:00 - 7:00PMHerington HH&H
11 N Broadway
March 2 - 3New Volunteer Training4:00 - 7:00PMAbilene HH&H
1111 N Brady
April 19Volunteer Appreciation BINGO1:30PMNichols Education Center
1003 N Brady
September (day TBD)Celebration of Life6:00PMHerington Lake
November 9Annual Volunteer Banquet6:00PMTBD
December 14Herington Candlelight Services6:00PMTBD
December 19Abilene Candlelight Services6:00PMTBD

Volunteer Newsletters

Accomplishments