Hospice care allows incurably ill individuals and their families to remain together when the end of life draws near. In Philadelphia, hospice services are provided primarily in the home, with an interdisciplinary team of professionals delivering compassionate, personalized care.
Trained volunteers play a valuable role in hospice care and, in fact, under the Medicare Conditions of Participation, volunteer support is mandated by law – a minimum of five percent of a hospice agency’s total patient care hours must be volunteer hours. The reason Medicare has this requirement is that with additional support from trained volunteers, the professional hospice staff can maintain the highest standards of care.
What do hospice volunteers do?
According to Medicare guidelines, their services may consist of day-to-day administrative duties, such as coordinating care services or completing in-office tasks. Volunteer support may also involve direct patient care, and given that the people who offer their time are as unique as the individuals they serve, hospice volunteers help in many ways.
Specialized Skills
More than a few Philadelphia hospice volunteers possess skills that are outside the scope of the professional hospice staff. Their expertise may be in gardening, cooking, hairdressing, massage therapy, knitting, cosmetology, carpentry, photography or any other discipline – whatever the case, they share their skills with the patients and families they serve, enhancing the end-of-life experience.
Meeting Needs
Philadelphia hospice volunteers often go above and beyond to support the incurably ill and their loved ones. Some help by writing letters to relatives who live far away or by bringing nearby family members without vehicles over for a visit. Others make a difference by baking tasty treats, helping to craft keepsake items or doing whatever they can to help patients achieve their bucket-list goals.
Companionship
For anyone who enters hospice – even those who opt for hospice care at home – time is a precious gift. Family caregivers are frequently rushed, loved ones are often busy and the professional members of the interdisciplinary hospice team have limited time to spend with patients. Volunteers have the time to sit and listen, play board games, watch TV or joining in any hobby, serving as a friendly companion when needed.
Happiness
Hospice volunteers bring cheer to patients and families in Philadelphia, relieving stress and improving everyone’s mood. For some, it’s a special talent in singing or playing an instrument that can make someone’s day. Other volunteers are artists who form connections through handiwork projects and creative activities. And pet owners make people happy simply by bringing their furry friends over for a visit.
Pastoral Care
Patients with incurable illnesses and their families often struggle with end-of-life questions and spiritual concerns. Some have feelings of guilt or regret, and many are unsure what to say to their loved ones. Hospice agencies have chaplains who offer assistance with these sorts of matters, but volunteers help fill the gap, giving everyone even more of an opportunity to discuss life’s biggest questions.
Caregiver Relief
With hospice care at home, members of the patient’s family are typically the day-to-day caregivers. Taking care of a loved one who is nearing the end of life can be incredibly stressful for anyone, so hospice volunteers seek out ways to ease the burden. Whether it’s picking up groceries, cooking a meal, washing a load of laundry or handling some other chore, caregivers appreciate the help of compassionate volunteers.
Can Anyone Become a Hospice Volunteer?
Many students in training for medical careers spend time volunteering for Philadelphia hospice agencies. Other locals choose to become hospice volunteers for a sense of purpose or to give back after experiencing end-of-life care services for a loved one. And some people just want to share their skills and talents with those in need.
Nearly anyone can become a hospice volunteer, but the requirements are rather robust. Before working with patients and families, volunteers must be trained to ensure they’re fully prepared. The specific training needed may vary depending upon how they’ll be providing assistance, but generally speaking, the instruction is geared toward gaining an understanding of the following:
- Philosophy and goal of hospice care
- Types of hospice services available
- Best practices in caring for patients
- Precautions and emergency procedures
- Confidentiality and ethical considerations
- Communication and active listening
- Grief support and bereavement care
Learning about these topics helps volunteers perform their duties to the best of their ability, which helps ensure that Philadelphia hospice patients enjoy a better quality of life. However, training isn’t all that’s required – most Medicare-certified hospice agencies expect volunteers to pass a background check, get medical clearance and provide a valid driver’s license. All of this seems like a big ask for someone who is offering their time, but it shows that volunteers are as important as every other member of the interdisciplinary team and should be vetted in a similar manner.
Do you have a loved one who may be ready for hospice care at home? Or are you interested in volunteering for a leading Medicare-certified hospice agency? Either way, Suncrest Hospice is the care provider to call. Contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, today!
