Become a St. Anthony’s Hospice Volunteer
Hold a hand, knit a prayer shawl, use a computer, answer the phone, bake a cake, listen to cherished memories, plant a flower, give a hug, touch a heart.
Making a difference in someone’s life is easier than we sometimes think. At St. Anthony’s Hospice, volunteers are the heart of what we do, providing a special kind of care and helping patients and families celebrate the journey.
When you become a volunteer for St. Anthony’s Hospice, there’s a place for you – whether you choose to work directly with patients and families or volunteer in any of a dozen other ways, you can make a big difference in someone’s life, including your own.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. Some work during the day, some are retired, and others volunteer while attending school. St. Anthony’s Hospice works with each volunteer to find the best opportunity to volunteer with our program.
If you are interested in getting connected with St. Anthony’s Hospice, please get in touch with us. As a new volunteer, you will take part in a one-on-one interview, an application process including a background screening, and specialized training.
For more information, please call our volunteer coordinator at 270-826-2326 or e-mail mmortis@sahky.org. And download our Volunteer Application.
Requirements
The following is a list of basic requirements for all St. Anthony’s Volunteers:
- Volunteer Application complete with two references
- Criminal Background Check
- TB Skin Test
- Willingness to sign a Patient Confidentiality Agreement
- Participation in a one-on-one interview with the Coordinator of Volunteer Services
- Participate in Hospice Volunteer Training
Volunteer Training
Our volunteer training course provides new volunteers with information regarding the St. Anthony’s Hospice philosophy of care, volunteer roles, compassionate communication skills, psychosocial and spiritual aspects of death, and the interdisciplinary team approach to hospice care. We introduce prospective volunteers to our many programs with a focus on finding the best place of service for them and their gifts. Trainings are offered numerous times throughout the year and are designed to give volunteers the information they to be and feel well-prepared for their role as a Hospice volunteer. Training is provided at no cost to the volunteer and requires no further obligation. For dates, times, and locations of trainings, please e-mail mmortis@sahky.org.
St. Anthony’s Hospice Volunteer Roles
We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers. Here’s a look at what you can do:
Patient Care and Support
Patient care volunteers provide companionship and emotional support to the patient and family, helping in the home and offering respite to the caregiver. Volunteers also can offer support to grieving families through telephone calls, notes or personal visits, shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
Administrative/Office Support
Volunteers assist in the office by providing help with special projects, mailings, and clerical support.
Special Services
Volunteers with expertise in language interpretation, music, or other areas may share their specialties with patients and families. Those who are licensed professionals in massage therapy or hair styling, or specialize in pet therapy or music therapy can also share their talents at St. Anthony’s Hospice.
Speakers’ Bureau
St. Anthony’s Hospice representatives are often invited to speak to worship communities, civic groups, and other gatherings. Experienced volunteers assist with community education and public speaking.
Special Events/Projects
Volunteers help with bereavement groups, fundraising events, and other special projects including the Prayer Shawl Ministry, Baked with Love Team, and gardening.
“I volunteer at St. Anthony’s Hospice because I believe volunteer work fits a mission in my life. I feel like part of the team when I volunteer at St. Anthony’s Hospice.”
Ida Omer
“I choose to volunteer with hospice because it doesn’t seem to be a job to me, it is a ministry. I feel like everyone has special talents and we are supposed to use them and give back in this world. I feel like I am where I am supposed to be at St. Anthony’s Hospice. Everyone here is great and I enjoy every minute of volunteering.”
Jan Holland
“My Hospice, My Journey” volunteer video created by volunteer AJ Casey:
