Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering

Why are volunteers so important to Evercare Hospice &Palliative Care?

Volunteers are the true heart of Evercare Hospice & Palliative Care. They bring a variety of life experiences, strengths and personalities that really help support patients and their families as a loved one’s end of life draws near.

How will I benefit from volunteering?

When you volunteer for Evercare Hospice, you become part of a large family of professional caregivers who continually support and mentor you. If you’re in a health care profession, the education and hands-on experience you gain from volunteering can strengthen your caregiving skills. Most important, whether you’re a professional or nonprofessional, giving the gifts of your time and talents to people in their final days could be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience you’ll ever have.

Do I need to have special qualifications to volunteer?

No. Although volunteers with special education and training are always welcome, the main qualities we’re looking for in volunteers are compassion, dependability, commitment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Surviving family members are encouraged to wait a minimum of one year following a patient's death to serve as direct care volunteers or in public relations activities.

What do Evercare Hospice &Palliative Care volunteers do?

There are three main categories of volunteer activity: Patient and Family Services; Office and Clerical Support; and Bereavement Services.

• Patient and Family Services. Volunteers read to patients, write letters for them, visit their pets, assist in life reviews, and provide companionship. They also support caregivers by doing routine errands such as grocery shopping.
• Office and Clerical Support. Volunteers assist with mailings, assembling admission packets, answering phones and other office duties.
• Bereavement Services. Volunteers help facilitate support groups and assist with memorial services.

What kind of training do volunteers receive?

Evercare Hospice volunteers are trained in the following areas:

• History and philosophy of hospice
• The role and responsibility of the volunteer
• Confidentiality
• Patient and family rights
• Family dynamics
• Coping mechanisms and psychological issues surrounding terminal illness
• Pain and symptom management
• Spirituality
• Grief, loss and bereavement
• Establishing healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout
• Infection control practices

We also offer flexible monthly education opportunities (either in person, online interaction or via recording) for volunteers who require more flexibility in their schedules.

Where do I start?

The first step to becoming an Evercare Hospice & Palliative Care volunteer is to complete the volunteer application; you may complete it online.

What happens next?

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you’ll meet face to face with a volunteer coordinator. Evercare Hospice will then conduct a background check, drug tests and a TB test. Once those are satisfactorily completed, you’ll begin your training program. Training includes a review of Evercare Hospice & Palliative Care’s policies and procedures for volunteers.