Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice and there are many services available to patients and families. Please see the list below for some of the volunteer services and opportunities we have.
Support patients through visiting, providing social interaction, and/or relief for the caregiver. Only companionship is provided; no personal care
Visits patients in the hospital to provide support, and at times relief for caregivers.
Provide support for patients near death or actively dying and their caregivers.
Volunteers provide support through the evening and into the morning for patients and caregivers.
Provide emotional and social support to patients and/or caregivers via a telephone conversation.
Assist patients or caregivers in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Volunteers must be certified in The Radiance Technique®, Therapeutic Touch®, or Reiki.
Assist patients and/or caregivers with their health and well-being goals for their desired quality of life; utilizing a proactive approach that incorporates coaching, supports, and feedback.
Provide patients with rides to medical appointments or to the Hospice Wellness Centre using an agency van or personal vehicle. Must be 25 years or older.
* Available at Erie Shores Residential Home only.Lead a group or assist facilitators with set-up, greeting, working with participants, and/or other tasks.
Pet therapy visits create social engagement with patients and family. In partnership with St. John’s Ambulance, volunteers visit with their pet to provide joy, stress relief, comfort, and companionship to patients in the Residential Homes.
Assist the nurse and/or personal support worker with physical care (e.g. bathing, toileting, dressing, and feeding as well as patient transfers, lifts, and moves).
Prepare meals and snacks daily for residents according to menu plans and food requirements. Track supplies for the weekly grocery list and organize the kitchen.
Greet guests, answer phones, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Shop for required supplies and groceries and deliver them weekly or as needed.
Assist patients in capturing important aspects of their life to share with family and friends using digital audio recording.
Provide spiritual, pastoral, or bereavement support to patients or caregivers.
Assist with a variety of office tasks (e.g. typing, data entry, filing, mailings, or phone calls).
Speak about Hospice programs and services at events and special requests from the community (e.g. service groups, church groups).
Keep the gardens on Hospice property healthy, cultivated, and attractive.
Assist with educational and events by assisting with refreshments, registration, set up, tear-down, or decorating.
Staff displays which provide information to the public about available Hospice programs and services; includes set-up and take-down of display.
Assist librarian with photocopying, processing journals, documenting and shelving books as well as assisting visitors with their resource needs.
Since 2003, volunteers have sewn cuddly little bears with matching blankets. These bears, and a little “Thinking of You” poem, are given to our patients and caregivers to provide encouragement and comfort during their health journey.
Volunteers gather once a week to create comfort bears, quilts and sew items for our patients and families to support their needs. No prior sewing or quilting knowledge is necessary.
* Available at Erie Shores Residential Home only.
Come and learn how to knit and/or crochet with experienced knitting volunteers. Crochet and knit many items such as lap blankets and slippers in a social environment. No experience necessary.
* Available at Erie Shores Residential Home only.
