Hospice Companion Volunteer - Shenandoah, Iowa

AseraCare volunteers bring many gifts, talents, interests, and experiences to the hospice program. We have an immediate need for hospice patient companion volunteers in the Shenandoah area.

Companion volunteers play a vital role in the hospice care team by:

• Visiting on a routine basis for friendship and conversation
• Increasing socialization for patients living at home
• Listening to and supporting families as they care for their loved one
• Providing brief periods of time off for family caregivers

We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 hours per week when volunteering, but always welcome additional time if the volunteer has some to spare! We hope that you will be forming a relationship with assigned patients. We ask that you plan to make a commitment of at least 1 year for this volunteer assignment.

Reliable transportation to/from your assignment is required. Companion volunteers must provide a current drivers license and proof of insurance. Volunteers should be physically able to complete the tasks assigned to them. All hospice volunteers are required to complete a volunteer orientation. They must also pass a criminal background check tuberculosis test. All required training and services are paid for by AseraCare. Volunteers must be 18 years old to be considered.

Hospice is a program of palliative care and supportive services for terminally ill patients and their families. A care team that includes volunteers work together to provide services. All team members are trained in providing emotional support to the patient and family. The direct care hospice team goes wherever the patient lives to provide services.

Hospice neither prolongs life nor hastens death. Rather, its goal is to affirm life and encourage the patient to maintain control over decisions that affect his or her quality of life. Support is available 24 hours a day. Hospice care is ready to meet the ever-changing needs experienced by that patient and their family.

If you have suffered a significant loss, we encourage you to wait at least one year to provide direct service or public relations support. Bereavement resources are available to our volunteers who need them.