Resources for Hospice Volunteers
Over 550,000 people volunteer at hospices around the country, donating 25 million hours of service. In fact, volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team. To learn more about volunteering, you might want to check out the links below. Or give us a call at 707-258-9080.
Books on volunteering
Dying Declarations: Notes from a Hospice Volunteer
A candid account of a volunteer's initial concern that hospice would be a depressing venue. Instead, the author tells touching stories that illustrate the uplifting and enriching nature of working with people who, at the end of life, are willing to strip away all that is unimportant and embrace their true priorities. He also gets very specific about hospice training and the ways a hospice volunteer can positively impact the patients and families they serve.
In the Midst of Dying: A Hospice Volunteer's Story
Retired English teacher, Charles Rose, recounts stories of his experience in Lee County, Alabama.
Lessons for the Living: Stories of Foregiveness, Gratitude and Courage at the End of Life
The author, a hospice volunteer, shares his personal journey as he cares for hospice patients and learns the simple grace of ordinary acts of daily kindness.
When Autumn Comes: Creating Compassionate Care of the Dying
Practical advice and thoughtful reflection accompany the stories presented in this book by Mary Jo Bennett (who also created the website www.hospicevolunteer.com).
When Evening Comes: The Education of a Hospice Volunteer
Through 15 stories of working with women dying of breast cancer in rural Virginia, the author traces her evolution from novice to seasoned volunteer. She talks about some of the difficulties, but also the immense rewards.
Volunteer training materials
Although training is an integral part of the volunteer program, you may find these reference materials useful.
Caring to Help Others
This 500 page binder is a caregiver training manual funded by Eisai and created as a joint project of numerous caregiving organizations. Although not hospice-specific, it certainly offers education and skill-building pertinent to the hospice volunteer, covering topics such as aging, becoming a volunteer, supporting family caregivers, dealing with loss, finding help, and a glossary of common terms. Each chapter can be downloaded for free.
Hospicenet.org
Developed by a non-profit educational organization in Tennessee, this website includes articles about hospice care, including information for patients, caregivers and children, as well as topics such as hospice services, and bereavement support.
Volunteer section of the Growthhouse portal
Growthhouse is a website that leverages Internet communication to help end-of-life professionals network and access resources to improve their practice and understanding. It has a special section for volunteers, including books, links to professional forums, a newsletter, and a guided meditation CD on providing compassionate service.
Please Note: Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services does not specifically endorse the activities of these organizations, but offers their information as a sample of the kinds of materials and services that are available.
