Volunteer Opportunities

While Beacon Hospice offers a total system of care provided by physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, counselors, chaplains and other professionals, we recognize that belonging to an extended, caring community is vital to the well-being of our patients and their families. This takes individuals with many talents and time to share of themselves coming together as volunteers. There are several different ways for individuals to volunteer for Beacon Hospice. Volunteers are used as family support volunteers, office volunteers, professional volunteers, special events volunteers, bereavement volunteers and volunteer chaplains.

All volunteers except for office volunteers and special events volunteers must attend a volunteer training class. Bereavement volunteers and volunteer chaplains receive additional training after completing the initial training class.

Family Support Volunteers

may be asked to run errands for their patient, help with light housekeeping tasks or most often simply provide companionship in the home. Hours are flexible and may be worked out by the volunteer and family involved. Family Support Volunteers receive comprehensive training on such topics as:

·                     Hospice philosophy and concepts of care

·                     Physiological, psychological and spiritual aspects of terminal illness

·                     Symptom management

·                     Family dynamics and coping

·                     Emergency procedures, safety issues

·                     Confidentiality and patient rights

·                     Procedure for death occurring in the home

·                     Grief and bereavement

·                     Documentation and recordkeeping

·                     Universal precautions

Office Volunteers

work with Beacon Hospice staff completing tasks such as filing, answering the phone, bulk mail preparation, data entry, shredding, telephone calls and more.

Professional Volunteers

are people who are willing to share their talents with patients in need on an individual basis. Some examples may be a carpenter who is willing to build a wheelchair ramp for a patient or a hairdresser who will visit a patient in their home.

Special Events Volunteers

offer their own unique services for special events such as fundraising or community awareness events.

Bereavement Volunteers

contact hospice families after the patient's death. Telephone calls are made from the volunteer's home once a month to offer emotional support to the family members. Bereavement volunteers must complete family support training as well as additional bereavement training.

Volunteer Chaplains

are spiritually sensitive lay men and women, as well as licensed and ordained clergy, who serve by helping patients and their families find hope in the face of apparently "hopeless" circumstances. Training is provided, as is continuing support of volunteers who serve in this capacity. Contact Chaplain Cliff McLeod at Beacon Hospice if you are interested in giving your time as a chaplain.

If you are you tired of volunteer work that seems unfulfilling or dull, or would you like to experience rewarding one-on-one time with someone who needs your company, you may be interested in becoming a Beacon Hospice volunteer. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator at 843-972-0500 for information that could help change your life and the lives of those you will serve.