The Vital Role of Hospice Volunteers

Volunteer support is a deeply meaningful and essential component of hospice care. Unlike home health services, where volunteer involvement is optional, volunteer support is a required part of the hospice benefit as outlined in the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Since hospice care was formally established in the U.S. in 1982, federal law has mandated that volunteers contribute at least 5% of total patient care hours—a reflection of the value they bring to patients, families, and care teams.

At Elation Hospice & Palliative Care, our trained volunteers are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, which also includes physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, therapists, and administrators. Together, they provide holistic care that supports the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.

Hospice volunteers offer:

• Companionship and emotional support to patients
   
• Relief for caregivers, including help with light tasks or short errands
   
• Comfort and presence during a patient's final days
   
• Bereavement support for families after the loss of a loved one
   

Volunteers give generously of their time—without compensation—because they believe in bringing comfort, dignity, and peace to others. Whether sitting quietly at a bedside or offering a listening ear to grieving family members, hospice volunteers embody the heart of hospice care.

 We offer two meaningful ways to get involved as a hospice volunteer, each providing a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Support patients and families directly by offering your time, compassion, and presence.

• Provide companionship through conversation or simply being present
   
• Read to patients or play calming music
   
• Lead or assist with creative activities such as art or crafts
   
• Offer emotional support to patients and their caregivers
   

Assist behind the scenes to help our care team stay organized and efficient.

• File and organize important documents
   
• Make copies and assemble information packets
   
• Assist with data entry and administrative tasks
   
• Support special events such as health fairs and student outreach programs
   

Whether you're drawn to personal interaction or prefer to contribute behind the scenes, your time and talents are deeply valued. Join us in making a difference for patients and families during one of life’s most important journeys.