Volunteers
Make a Difference at the End of Life
Volunteers are the heart of hospice care. At Angel Hands Hospice, we believe in the power of presence. Our trained volunteers offer companionship and comfort to patients and their families during one of the most sacred transitions in life.
Please note: Volunteers never provide hands-on medical or personal care such as bathing, lifting, administering medications, or wound care. Their role is to enhance quality of life through companionship. Volunteers are asked to respect each patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs without leading faith-based interactions.
Why Volunteer With Us?
Hospice volunteering is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in someone’s life. Whether you’re sitting quietly with a patient, reading their favorite book, or giving their caregiver a short break, your presence truly matters.
We follow strict guidelines to ensure volunteers do not replace paid staff but instead provide enrichment and companionship that complements clinical care.
Volunteer Roles
We offer a variety of meaningful ways to serve, tailored to your interests and talents:
Patient Companion Volunteer
- Sit bedside and offer quiet presence
- Read books or poetry aloud
- Play calming music or simply listen
- Paint a patient’s nails or style their hair gently (with permission)
- Accompany patients on walks in facilities
- Provide caregiver respite by staying with the patient
Legacy Project Volunteer
- Help patients create a Legacy eBook by assisting in answering questions, helping to find the right photos, and digitally creating the eBook
- Transcribe life reflections into a beautiful digital keepsake for families
- Assist with journaling, letter writing, or memory boxes
- Put together the Legacy E-Book
Administrative & Office Support
- Assist with data entry, mailings, and organizing supplies
- Assemble comfort kits or new volunteer welcome packets
- Create birthday, Valentines Day, and other special holiday or anniversary cards
- Create crafts that patients and families can use as keepsakes
Creative & Specialized Roles
- Share skills like music, art, or guided meditation
- Offer pet therapy (with appropriate certification)
- Support memorial events or bereavement card writing
- Contribute photography, graphic design, or writing to our volunteer newsletter
Is Hospice Volunteering Right for Me?
You don’t need medical experience or special training to serve—just a heart for presence.
You might thrive as a hospice volunteer if you:
Are comfortable with quiet, reflective moments Want to support patients and families with dignity and empathy Can listen without needing to fix, change, or advise Respect all beliefs and traditions Feel called to honor life’s final chapter through service
If this sounds like you, we’d be honored to walk this journey with you.
Volunteer Training & Requirements
We take our training seriously to ensure safety, compassion, and professionalism.
All volunteers must:
- Complete a free orientation and training
- Pass a background check
- Undergo a tuberculosis screening (for patient-facing roles)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Commit to respectful interaction with patients
Training Includes:
- Hospice philosophy and patient-centered care
- Active listening, empathy, and grief awareness
- Boundaries, cultural sensitivity, and ethics
- HIPAA confidentiality and infection control
- Volunteer role descriptions and expectations
Ongoing Support and Supervision
Volunteers are never alone. Our Volunteer Coordinator provides:
- One-on-one onboarding
- Check-ins after your visits
- Monthly support calls or groups
- Annual continuing education
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need healthcare experience?
Not at all. What matters most is your compassion, dependability, and presence.
Can I choose how and when I volunteer?
Yes! We offer flexible scheduling and match you with roles that fit your time and strengths.
Where do I volunteer?
Visits take place in patients’ homes, assisted living communities, or nursing facilities. Administrative roles may be remote or in our office.
What if I’m nervous about visiting patients?
That’s natural. We provide shadowing opportunities and support every step of the way.
Do you accept youth volunteers or students under 18?
At this time, all volunteers must be 18 years or older.