You Can Make A Difference

Volunteers play a vital role in hospice care, making a positive difference in the lives of patients and families.  Volunteers each contribute unique interests, skills, experiences and talents as a vital component of quality care delivered by Hospice of San Joaquin.

As a volunteer you will be making a much needed contribution to the ongoing work of Hospice of San Joaquin and be an integral part of the Hospice team. Volunteers provide thousands of hours of service each year in the following areas:

• Family Team Member – provide support and companionship to the patient and assistance to the caregiver by performing simple tasks, errands or respite.  These volunteers are part of the Team, headed by the Nurse Case Manager, assigned to each patient.
• Bereavement Support – provide comfort with follow-up phone calls or act as facilitator for a Children’s or Adult Bereavement Support Group under the direction of the Bereavement Coordinator.
• Office Support – assist with clerical work, such as answering telephones, typing, data entry and other valuable, essential administrative support tasks.
• Special Projects – assist with periodic programs, large and small, single day or several session assignments, such as mailings, community education and fund raising.
• Hospice House – assist the Cook with meals and serving, the House Nurse Manager with daily tasks that make the House a home-away-from-home for the patients.
• Butterfly Auxiliary – a membership organization with the mission to support the Hospice House with fund raising and advocacy.  Click here for membership.

You Can Learn More

Hospice of San Joaquin offers an extensive training program for prospective volunteers.  For those who wish to give direct support to patients, there are 30 hours of training; for those who wish to serve in other capacities, a portion of this core training, getting to know the Hospice of San Joaquin and its services, plus at-the-office or project/event training.  The training is presented by skilled professionals and includes several topics:

Hospice of San Joaquin Philosophy and Team Concept Understanding Terminal Illness Death and Dying Issues Grief and Loss Communication & Listening Skills Pain Management Family Dynamics

To learn more about current training schedules and volunteer opportunities with the Hospice of San Joaquin download our Volunteer Brochure or call (209) 957-3888.