Hospice Volunteers Needed!! Berkshire County, MA

Hospice Service of Western and Central Massachusetts

Volunteer Program

Quality of care is a cornerstone of our mission that could not be accomplished without the many 'helping hands' of our volunteers. Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts has a dedicated volunteer force of caring individuals and we offer opportunities in just about every area imaginable. Whether you can give four hours a month or four hours a day, we can use your help!

All of our volunteers receive extensive training in providing comfort and support to families facing end-of-life issues. Topics covered include hospice philosophy, communication skills, active listening, identifying and respecting cultural differences, spirituality, grief and the healing process. Currently, education and supervision for staff and volunteers includes continually updated COVID-19 guidance in accordance with government regulations, local community guidelines, our agency's policies and those of the facilities where our patients live.

Each and every one of our volunteers are considered members of our interdisciplinary team. Without them we would not be able to provide patients and families with the level of care and comfort for which we are renowned.

Volunteers demonstrate a deep commitment to the hospice philosophy and their desire to help others. Volunteers perform direct services, both tangible and intangible, on behalf of patients and families, and indirect services, in administration and education, on behalf of the agency. They provide an atmosphere of warmth and understanding for the family before, during and after death. They each share their special skills in functioning as a friend and confidant.

What do Hospice volunteers do?

• Our volunteers assist patients and their families in a variety of ways, including:
  • Reading, singing, playing music, or looking at artwork, pictures or videos
  • Sitting quietly with the patient
  • Providing respite for the patient's caregiver
  • Running errands, preparing meals, and/or doing light household chores
  • Performing administrative tasks
• The most valuable skill a volunteer has is the ability to be a compassionate presence. Volunteers increase quality of life by offering emotional support and companionship to patients and their families.

Why Volunteer?

Hospice volunteers report they are motivated by the desire to give something back and soon find that the spiritual and emotional rewards they receive far outweigh the time and caring they contribute. Volunteers gain satisfaction by making a positive impact on people who are going through a crucial stage of life.

How to become a volunteer?

• Contact us to schedule an interview!
• To ensure that hospice volunteers are equipped for working with the dying, they are required to complete comprehensive orientation and training, as well as submit to a routine background check a TB test, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or weekly COVIOD testing. It’s important that volunteers understand the history of the hospice movement and are aware of the specific ways Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts works to serve the local community. Additional training is available and ongoing.

Honoring Our Veterans

• America's Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country. We believe it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home, and to provide these men and women with the dignity they deserve.
• We understand that some combat veterans who have coped well throughout their lives may experience increased combat-related memories and distressing emotions during their end-of-life journey. Exposure to traumatic events may also impact physical health later in life. We recognize that the effects of military service, good and bad, can continue to resonate throughout a lifetime.
• Hospice of Western & Central Massachusetts offers a special program that recognizes and honors the contributions made by veterans. We facilitate Certificate of Appreciation Presentations wherever our veteran patients reside, in acknowledgement of all they have done for our country. We also offer Vet to Vet Cafes, discussion groups for veterans to get together with each other in the community, and other special events throughout the year.

• Call today to learn more about your place on the Hospice team. You can make a difference!