Passages Hospice Volunteer Program

Our Mission and Philosophy

We are dedicated to the provision of individualized, comprehensive quality and family-centered care at the patient’s place of residence.

We are dedicated to the belief that each person is a unique individual and therefore, we need to be sensitive to his/her social, emotional, intellectual, safety and physical needs.

We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the life cycle by promoting and restoring health, alleviating suffering and caring for the sick and dying in a manner that insures dignity and respect.

We are dedicated to hiring experienced and competent professionals who follow the highest standards of excellence to establish an individualized plan of care offering personal choices and decisions, respecting each individual’s rights and needs for self-determination.

We are dedicated to providing a level of care that encourages the safe and cost-effective delivery of hospice care, maximizing patient autonomy and coordination of community and agency resources, and alleviating unnecessary duplication of services, thereby promoting positive patient outcomes.

Volunteers will provide personal care, emotional support, and practical assistance, which will enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients and families. This may include sitting bedside, assisting with life review or memory projects, and listening and talking with the patient.

Volunteers may also provide bereavement support to families under the supervision of the Bereavement and/or Social Work Departments. This may include clerical assistance with bereavement care and with patient/family record keeping, projects, and tasks.

 Other Passages Hospice volunteer opportunities include providing respite for patient caregivers and assisting with “Passages Dreams” to make adult patient "dreams" come true.

You can volunteer during the day, early evenings or on weekends. Volunteers typically spend 1-2 hours each week visiting with their assigned patient.

 Passages Hospice provides complete Hospice Volunteer training to all volunteers to best prepare them for the psychological and spiritual dynamics of end-of-life care.

 Please contact Nicole Brokaw, Regional Volunteer Coordinator at nbrokaw@passageshospice.com or 815-312-7741 for more information.

Skills: 

• Excellent Communication: Great interpersonal skills and emotionally mature

• Well-Organized and Dependable: Committed to their assigned patient(s).

• Friendly and Compassionate: Volunteers are available to enhance the quality of life for the patient and the family. The volunteer should act as a friend with whom the patient can identify.

Requirements:

• Complete Volunteer Training Program

• Pass criminal background check and Tuberculosis screening (free)

• Adhere to all confidentiality and HIPAA regulations

• Be able to provide own transportation/auto insurance