The priceless time hospice volunteers give to patients
Every day, ordinary people make an extraordinary difference in the lives of Tanner Hospice Care patients and their families by giving a priceless gift of their time. What draws them to this special work is as varied as the volunteers themselves.
Some people volunteer after witnessing the positive impact Tanner Hospice Care has had on a family member or friend. Others see it as a way to make a difference for someone else or to stay productive. There are also those who do it for the love of giving and a passion for the hospice mission.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) estimates that, in 2013, roughly 355,000 hospice volunteers provided 16 million hours of volunteer service in the United States. At Tanner Hospice Care, there are 31 active volunteers who provide this vital service.
More dependable people are needed to visit with patients and offer a calming presence for families in Tanner’s six-county service area. There are several different kinds of opportunities. Here are a few surprising facts about volunteering with Tanner Hospice Care:
- Even a few hours a week will help! Everyone’s time and availability differs, and there is no minimum number of hours required. Volunteers are called depending on need and availability.
- So many ways to make a difference. Visiting with a patient, helping with appointments or errands, reading together, taking walks or writing letters for patients, offering caregivers a free moment for themselves, assisting with household maintenance or lawn work, and even helping the office with administrative duties all make meaningful contributions.
- Bring us your talents! Do you have a special skill or hobby that you enjoy? Many Tanner Hospice Care volunteers discover that their talents or interests are shared by patients. Simply having a conversation about a shared interest can really brighten a patient’s day.
- Support and training. Tanner Hospice Care volunteers receive training that prepares them to handle the role they’ve selected, whether that involves spending time directly with patients and families or providing office support. Monthly volunteer meetings offer volunteers a chance to gather together and fellowship with other volunteers.
- Common misconceptions. Some may have misconceptions about hospice work, believing that it is difficult or depressing. Caring for patients and families may have some sad moments, yet the majority of this work focuses on helping people live each day to the fullest.
Why should you consider volunteering with Tanner Hospice Care?
Ask any of the volunteers to describe their volunteer experience and you will hear that they get so much more than they give: fulfillment from making a difference in people’s lives, greater self-knowledge and insights from patients and families, spiritual growth from supporting a person through a challenging time and camaraderie with other generous volunteers. They agree that their experience is very rewarding.
How can you get started?
It starts with a phone call and an application. Volunteers will complete a pre-training interview and a one-day training course. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, not seeking class credit and be able to provide their own transportation. Other requirements include submitting to a background check, drug screen and TB test, and receiving a flu shot.
I’m not ready to make a commitment, but might want to learn more.
A phone call is not a commitment, and we welcome calls from people who may not be ready to commit immediately. Sometimes, a few months later, they might start volunteering when their schedule allows. We’re very flexible and often able to accommodate people’s schedules. Any amount of time is helpful, and even if you are just exploring options for the future, we would still love to hear from you.
For additional information, please contact Tanner Hospice Care at 770.214.2355.
Tanner Hospice Care volunteers gather together every month for fellowship with other volunteers.
In December, the group celebrated another year of helping local patients and families. Photographed,
standing, left to right: Ann Rossomondo, Lorrie Sposato-Allen, Nelson Rodriguez-Ruiz, Eunice Brown,
Dianne Jackson, Bill Johnston, Jane Thomas and, seated, left to right, Diane Rowe and Diane McLendon.