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“I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good things I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now, and not defer it or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”
– William Penn

Volunteers: The Heart of Hospice
Volunteers have a vital role in hospice care. With generous love and caring, volunteers provide an added comfort to the care of the dying, a listening ear to the grieving family member, and quality support to the hospice staff.

Hospice volunteers come from all age groups and have a variety of cultural, social and professional backgrounds. The one thing that all volunteers have in common is a desire to help where needed.

When you choose to volunteer, no matter what you do, you will be helping to provide quality care for hospice patients and families. By sharing your time and talents your can change a life.

Is Volunteering for You?
Qualities important for being an effective hospice volunteer include: good communication skills, a nonjudgmental attitude, reliability, flexibility and compassion. Applicants should be in good physical health, emotionally mature and be willing to complete the necessary requirements to become a team member.

Hospice of Oklahoma County, Inc. volunteers are a diverse group of professionals from many different areas including homemakers, retirees and students. Many volunteers choose to help because it is their way of “giving back” for kindness experienced within their lives. There are those volunteers who have recognized that they have a gift in compassion, listening, and working with the grieving. These volunteers are interested in exploring new life experiences.

Volunteer Opportunities
Office Volunteers
Provide valuable services in areas such as filing, bulk mailing, data entry and other organizational activities within the office setting. Office volunteers work during the regularly scheduled workweek between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Training Required: Hospice orientation and job-specific training.

Time Commitment: No minimum commitment. Volunteers may serve on one-time special projects or may assist on a regular on-going basis. Hours vary by assignment.

Patient Care Volunteers
Visit patients at home, in nursing homes, or assisted living centers. They offer respite for caregivers and emotional support to the patients and their loved ones. Activities may include reading to the patient, assisting them with a hobby or simply listening. Volunteers who visit patients at home may also help by running errands, shopping for groceries, or picking up medications.

Training Required: 18 -hour Patient Care Volunteer Training

Time Commitment: One year minimum commitment. Volunteers can give approximately two to four hours of service a week when they have an assignment.

Community Outreach Volunteers
Speak to civic and community organizations about hospice and the services provided. Community Outreach Volunteers attend United Way Agency Fairs and other community health fairs around the metro Oklahoma City area spreading the word about hospice.

Training Required: Hospice orientation and speaker’s bureau training. Training is scheduled on an individual basis.

Time Commitment: Hours vary by assignment

Special Project Volunteers
Assist with community programs and events that raise community awareness of hospice, such as the Tree of Life fundraiser program. Glaze ornaments for this program, help coordinate the memorial service, or assist with putting the names of loved ones on the handmade ornaments. “Adopt” a family for Thanksgiving or Christmas by gathering and donating food items and goodies or Christmas Carol with other volunteers, staff and community members.

Training Required: Hospice orientation and job-specific training. Training is scheduled on an individual basis.

Time Commitment: Hours vary by assignment

To receive information about volunteering with Hospice of Oklahoma County
please call (405) 848-8884 and ask to speak with Ruth Ann Frick the Volunteer Coordinator.
Or you may email her at ruth.frick@integris-health.com


Role of the Volunteer

A Volunteers Reflections