Become a Hospice Volunteer
We believe that quality of life should be encouraged and supported when quantity of life is limited. Hospice volunteers are essential to providing care, empathy, and compassion to both the patient and their loved ones. Through participation and engagement, hospice volunteers find value in their devotion to patients, their loved ones, and their community! If you have a passion for helping others and making a difference, consider becoming a hospice volunteer with Amberwell Hospice.
How Can You Help
When you volunteer with Amberwell Hospice, you join a team of dedicated people working together to make a difference. You become a valued member of our hospice team, whether you’re caring for patients, helping in the office, or assisting with our bereavement program. To protect our patients and provide the best possible support and care, all volunteers must pass a background check and go through our extensive Volunteer Orientation class. We want you to be successful in your service, and so we ensure that you have the tools necessary to help fulfill our mission of serving people with compassion and dignity.
There are so many different ways that you can volunteer your time and talents with us. Here are just a few of the ways that you can make an impact through your service with Amberwell Hospice:
- Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families.
- Provide services to the patient such as reading, writing letters, crafts, games, etc.
- Provide services to families such as answering the phone/door, light housekeeping, or emotional support.
- Participate in our 13-month Bereavement Program.
- Provide emotional support for caregivers, family members, and friends following a patient’s death.
- Provide grieving families with community outreach programs, support groups, and therapeutic services.
- Provide companionship and comradery to fellow veterans on hospice care.
- Take part in pinning ceremonies and distribute certifications for Veterans Day.
- Educate and assist patients in receiving their full VA benefits.
- Call patients and caregivers on Fridays to ensure they have all needed supplies and medications and are prepared for the weekend.
- Pick up and/or deliver any needed supplies or medications to the patient.
Relieve caregivers for short periods of time when they need to leave the house or when they need to rest, shower, or get things done around the house.
- Hairstylists to assist in grooming patients who aren’t able to get to the salon
- Pet therapy to bring joy and raise patients’ spirits
- Handyman to assist in any general maintenance the patient is unable to do or to build wheelchair ramps
- Bring holiday cheer, positive energy, baked goods, and presents from Amberwell Hospice to patients.
- Assist with shopping or wrapping presents or decorating for the holiday season.
- Read holiday-themed books and/or watch Christmas movies with the patients.
- Listen to patients’ stories and holiday memories and share some holiday memories of your own.
Hospice Volunteer Requirements:
Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
Training: Must complete 12 hours of orientation training and 12 hours of additional training annually.
Background Check: Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Transportation: Have proof of auto insurance.
Recent Bereavement: Must not have experienced the death of a close family member within the past 6 months.
Health Requirements:
- Must obtain TB test through Amberwell Occupational Health.
- Must have up-to-date flu vaccine.
Volunteer Application Form
Are you interested in our volunteer opportunities? Click here to download our volunteer application.
Please mail this application or drop it off in person to:
Amberwell Downtown
Volunteer Coordinator
705 Commercial St.
Atchison, Ks 66002
If you have any questions, feel free to call or email:
Volunteer Coordinator
913-360-5520
ckrick@amberwellhealth.org
