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Volunteers
Adventist St. Thomas Hospice emphasizes the quality of life for those who have a life expectancy of six months. Hospice enables patients to die at home, surrounded by the people and things they love. This is possible because Adventist St. Thomas Hospice offers a comprehensive care team that includes physicians, registered nurses, social workers, a chaplain and volunteers. Hospice volunteers are cherished members of the Hospice team. They are specially trained and provide services, which are extremely important in assisting the patient and family through this difficult period.

Adventist St. Thomas Hospice has a roster of over 100 volunteers and continues to seek additional caring individuals to serve as the eyes and ears of the hospice team.

A Hospice Volunteer - Who Can Volunteer?

There are no requirements other than a listening ear, an empathetic heart, a giving hand, a confidential and supportive nature, and compassion to help. Our Hospice volunteers continue to amaze us with their ability to be non-judgmental, open-minded and present.

A Hospice Volunteer - What do Volunteers do?

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
» Journaling
» Pet, music and massage therapy

Bereavement 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.

Teen Volunteers

Adventist St. Thomas Hospice offers a Teen Program for community High School Members, age 13-18. We have a roster of 27 teens who are involved in visiting patients, journaling with them, perhaps gardening or delivering flowers. Activities are supervised and a four-hour training is offered.

Training

Patient Care Volunteers must complete a 27 hour training covering such topics as: Hospice Philosophy, The Scope of Loss, Cultural Diversity, Personal Death Awareness, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Reminiscence, and Family Dynamics, to name a few.

Community Volunteers and Office Volunteers are welcome to attend these classes, but also complete an orientation and training of their own. Bereavement Volunteers are expected to take the 24-hour training and an additional Bereavement Training is offered.

How do I volunteer?

Just give us a call in the Volunteer Department at 630-856-6998. We will do the rest, sending you an application and inviting you to come in for a pre-class interview. The rest is up to you.