Who Can Volunteer?
There are no requirements other than a listening ear, an empathetic heart, a giving hand, a confidential and supportive nature and passion to help. Hospice volunteers continue to amaze us with their ability to be non-judgmental, open-minded and present.
Patient Care Volunteers
 Patient Care Volunteers visit patients at home, in the hospital, or nursing home to offer respite for caregivers and emotional support to the patients and their loved ones. Activities may include reading to patients, helping with a hobby, listening, running errands, shopping for groceries, babysitting children or pets, and journaling. We also provide pet, music and massage therapy upon request.
Bereavement Volunteers
These volunteers provide services to surviving loved ones of patients who were under the care of Adventist St. Thomas Hospice, or community members faced with the death of their loved ones. These volunteers serve as team callers or as outreach volunteers.
Special Projects Volunteers
Some volunteers may choose to provide valuable services in areas such as office help, bulk mailing and special events. St. Thomas is a non-profit organization and we welcome volunteer help in all areas.
Community Liaison Volunteers
Sharing the Hospice mission and information about services to the community is another way in that volunteers help. If you are comfortable interacting with the public at community events, this may be an area in which you can help.
Adventist St. Thomas Hospice offers a Teen Program for community high school students, ages 13-18. Currently, more than 50 teens visit patients, journal with them, and help with gardening or delivering flowers. Activities are supervised and a four-hour training is required. The next teen volunteer training will be held in August 2008, contact Heather at (630) 856-6985 to register.
Volunteer Training
Patient Care Volunteers must complete a 27-hour training that covers topics such as: Hospice Philosophy, The Scope of Loss, Cultural Diversity, Personal Death Awareness, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Reminiscence and Family Dynamics.
Community Volunteers and Office Volunteers are welcome to attend these classes, but also must complete an orientation and training of their own. Bereavement Volunteers are expected to take the 27-hour training and an additional Bereavement Training is offered.
How do I volunteer?
Please call the Volunteer Department at 630-856-6998. We’ll send you an application and invite you to come in for a pre-class interview. The rest is up to you.
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