How To Be a Great Hospice Volunteer

Tips and Tricks for Volunteering in a Hospice Setting

“Volunteering is at the core of being a human. No one has made it through life without the help of someone else.” - Heather French Henry

When you commit time to volunteering in a hospice setting, you are making a meaningful impact in the final days of someone who needs you. It’s not always the easiest volunteer position, but it’s so powerful. 

You’re stepping into sacred moments, offering comfort and presence during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. Whether you’re just starting as a hospice volunteer or looking to deepen your impact, there are many qualities that make you an excellent person for this kind of work. 

If you want to make an impact at our hospice, donate today or check out our volunteer opportunities. 

What is Hospice?

Before you start volunteering with hospice patients, it’s important to take the time to understand the philosophy behind hospice care. Hospice is not about giving up. It’s about improving quality of life during the final stages. It’s about dignity, respect, and comfort. Most importantly, it’s about support. 

Volunteers play a unique role in providing this support. From emotional assistance and companionship to more practical roles like tidying and cooking, volunteers can make an impact in a million different ways. 

Tip 1: Lead With Presence

When you’re a hospice volunteer, you won’t always know what to say or do. And that’s okay (especially when you’re first starting out!). You don’t need the perfect words. In fact, a lot of the time patients just need someone to be there with them, in silence. 

Great hospice volunteers understand that presence is way more important than perfection. Just being there – calm, grounded, and open – can provide deep comfort for patients and their loved ones. 

Tip 2: Be a Good Listener

During these final stages, there can be a lot of reflection. Patients will sometimes want to tell their stories, reminisce on their favorite moments, and just feel heard. That’s why it is good to be an active listener. This means:

• Making eye contact

• Asking questions

• Avoiding rushing or interrupting

Your ability to sit with whatever comes up, without judgement, is one of your most valuable tools as a hospice volunteer. 

Tip 3: Respect Boundaries and Culture

It’s no surprise that hospice care is deeply personal – for the patient and their loved ones. It’s important to lead with respect when it comes to their pace, beliefs, and needs. Every family and individual is different. Be mindful of cultural practices around death and dying, check in with families to see what they need, and always let professional staff guide you when you’re unsure. 

Tip 4: Take Care of Yourself, Too

You can’t pour from an empty cup. And, as rewarding as volunteering in a hospice is, witnessing death and grief can be emotionally taxing. Make space to process your experiences, talk to supervisors or fellow volunteers, and don’t be afraid to take breaks. Self-care helps you stay present and compassionate for those that you are helping. 

Tip 5: Stay Flexible and Open Minded

No two days look the same as someone who works in a hospice, let alone volunteers! When you commit your time to a hospice care facility or their community program, you might find yourself wearing many hats. That coupled with the needs of patients makes for interesting, ever-changing days. 

Some days, your visit with a patient may be full of conversation. Other times, they might be asleep or unresponsive. Depending on their needs, you might be helping out around their house, talking with family members, sitting vigil, helping with food prep, and more. 

Simply put, hospice volunteering isn’t predictable (but it’s always impactful). Be open to changes and let go of expectations. Sometimes your greatest gift is simply showing up!

Bonus Tip: Use Your Unique Talents

Do you play music? Speak a second language? Enjoy storytelling or art? Have a license to practice massage therapy? Love to cook?  You can use these (and any other talents) to enhance the final days of someone's life. 

Many hospice programs, like ours, welcome volunteers who bring creative and comforting experiences. Think about what makes you you, and how that might offer joy or connection to someone in care. 

Ultimately, being a hospice volunteer is not about doing everything right. It’s about showing up. If you’re thinking about volunteering, know that even small acts can mean the world to someone at the end of their life. 

Whether you’re offering comfort in silence or laughter in shared memories, your presence matters more than you may ever comprehend. 

If you are in the Western Massachusetts area and have a loved one who requires hospice care, Hospice of the Fisher Home provides both in-residence or at-home (or wherever you reside) care through our community program. Contact us to find out more. 

Keep up to date with Hospice of the Fisher Home by joining our mailing list or following us on Facebook and Instagram!

Want to volunteer at Hospice of the Fisher Home? Find out more by contacting our volunteer coordinator.