Volunteering at HCT
Patient Care
Many of our volunteers enjoy working directly with our patients. Depending on the need, the volunteer may spend time:
- Reading or holding a hand
- Staying with a patient while family members take a needed break or keep an appointment
- Shopping or running errands
- Listening
- Providing transportation
- Assisting with personal needs such as shaving or bathing
- Cooking or light household chores
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach volunteer provides support for the speaker's bureau program. Volunteers offer their expertise by helping increase community awareness through presentations related to the benefits of hospice care and services provided by Hospice Care Team. They also lend a hand a health fairs, senior expos and by helping coordinate and participating in other educational programs. Volunteers make gowns, lap quits, bed rail covers, bibs, blankets and donate personal items for HCT patients.
They help with the Service of Remembrance by providing light refreshments for the families at the reception. Several volunteers support our annual food drive and school supply drive.
Administrative
Because Hospice Care Team provides support on so many levels, administrative work is never complete. Many of our volunteers lend a hand by:
- Preparing mailings
- Typing, answering phones
- Writing thank you notes to donors
- Organizing, planning and participating in fund-raising events
Memory Gift Program
This is a very special program that encourages patients to tell their life story on video, tape or through a created scrapbook. This life review becomes a keepsake for family and friends who may or may not be able to be with the patient during their final phases of life. Trained adolescents interview the patient and their family capturing whatever information is important to them. Once the information is gathered, it is organized and returned to the patient and their family so that the precious memory of their life is preserved.
Guardian Team - 11th Hour Volunteers
In 1994 Hospice Care Team, Inc. formed a team of volunteers to sit with patients who have 48 hours or less to live. These patients have no family or very little support. Without the support of our volunteers, many patients could die alone. Our Vigil Team Volunteers also support families by sitting with the patient while the caregiver receives some much needed respite. These volunteers also help in Nursing Homes or Assisted Livings for 3-4 hour shifts.
Pet Therapy Program
These volunteers provide emotional support for HCT patients and their families utilizing pet therapy to enhance their quality of life. This program brings animals and their gifts of unconditional love to the elderly and children in residential facilities and their homes. Only pets, which are certified to be medically fit and are trained and certified by an appropriate accrediting agency shall be allowed to visit selected patients. All handlers are required to attend volunteer training and be registered volunteers at HCT.
