Website Hospice of Martha's Vineyard
Neighbors helping neighbors since 1981
How Volunteers Fit in:
Hospice volunteers are an essential part of the hospice philosophy of care which recognizes that dying is not just a medical event but a personal one as well. Our volunteers are important members of an interdisciplinary team working to “de-institutionalize” the dying experience and provide a more humane system of care for the dying and their families. (Did you know, federal law requires that at least 5% of patient care hours be provided by volunteers if the hospice receives Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement?)
Why Volunteer?
Volunteers in hospice find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical point in their lives. Many of these volunteers were introduced to hospice through the death of a family member and understand firsthand the value of hospice care, but nationally, nearly 20% of volunteers are new to hospice. Volunteers consistently report that helping the terminally ill through hospice is not about dying but about living.
Hospice always has opportunities for volunteers. Participants may range in age from teens to senior citizens. While volunteer opportunities can vary greatly from one hospice to another, all hospices strive to constructively utilize the time and talents of those who answer the call to serve. Some volunteers may have professional skills or specialized expertise, but most are just people who want to help their friends and neighbors and serve the community.d