Volunteers

Our Hospice could not continue the good work we do without the excellent support of our caring and dedicated volunteers. Our roster includes 150 volunteers who pitch in wherever they are needed. There are many ways a volunteer can contribute.

Patient-family advocates visit with patients and their families in the home, often to give the primary caregiver a break. Volunteers allow patients to take the lead during visits. They are willing to chat or to listen; to read to someone or listen to music; or almost any light task the patient or caregiver requests. Sometimes a volunteer might simply sit quietly while a patient sleeps in the next room, or talk with family members who just need a listening ear. Volunteers also may shop for groceries or run errands for the patient and caregiver.

Administrative volunteers help in Hospice Care offices by filing records, writing thank you notes, updating admission packets, organizing supplies, answering phones, and other tasks as needed.

Bereavement volunteers provide direct and indirect support to the bereaved. They might provide telephone support, assemble mailings, assist with bereavement support groups, or help with memorial services.

Vigil volunteers are experienced volunteers who sit in shifts with actively dying patients who have no family members present, or when requested. They might read for the patient, or play soothing music or simply be there as a caring presence.

Community outreach and fund-raising volunteers are needed to help share information with our community or assist in raising funds to support our mission. Volunteers who enjoy public speaking might consider joining our Speakers Bureau and sharing the Hospice Care story with local groups.

Fund-raising assistance can include serving on event committees, assisting at our events, or writing thank you notes.

Animal lovers might be interested in volunteering themselves and their favorite pooch for our Hos-Pets therapy program. Volunteers and their canine companions undergo special training to be certified Hos-Pets visitors in local nursing homes, assisted living residences and patients’ home upon request. All dogs must be certifed Canine Good Citizens through our trainer, Abby Bird. For more information, email or call Abby at 843.304.4327.

The members of our Board of Directors and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees all are volunteers. Hospice Community Thrift, another agency in the Hospice Care family, offers wonderful opportunities for volunteers to work in a casual retail environment with others who share a love for Hospice Care.

If you are interested in becoming a Hospice Care volunteer, please email or call Renee Woodruff at 843.706.2296.

To volunteer at Hospice Community Thrift, call 843.689.5455.

Volunteer training:

Hospice Care of the Lowcountry offers a 21-hour training course for anyone interested in becoming a patient-family advocate or office volunteer. Classes are held several times a year.

The classes will prepare volunteers to assist in meeting the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of Hospice Care patients and their families. The training is open to all Beaufort and Jasper county adult residents. No previous experience is required. Background and reference checks are conducted.

For more information and to register, please email  Renee Woodruff at rwoodruff@hospicecarelc.org or call at 843.706.2296.