For Hospice Volunteers at Holly’s Haven
Becoming a hospice volunteer is a beautiful way to give back, but it’s also natural to have a few questions before you begin. Below you’ll find answers to the most common things people ask us about volunteering with Holly’s Haven.
Whether you’re simply curious or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and supported from the very start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hospice volunteer do?
Hospice volunteers bring comfort, companionship, and emotional support to patients and their families. You might spend time chatting, reading aloud, playing music, writing letters, or simply sitting together in quiet presence.
Volunteers don’t provide medical care. Instead, they offer something just as valuable: the gift of time, heart, and human connection.
Do I need medical experience to volunteer?
Not at all! You don’t need any kind of medical background. Our volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds – teachers, retirees, students, stay-at-home parents, veterans, and everyone in between. All you need is compassion, reliability, and a willingness to listen. We’ll teach you the rest.
What kind of training will I receive?
Every volunteer completes hospice volunteer orientation before their first visit. You’ll learn about:
- Communication and listening skills
- Patient privacy (HIPAA)
- Infection control and safety
- Boundaries and emotional awareness
- What to expect during visits
We’ll walk you through everything at a comfortable pace so you feel confident and supported. Our volunteer coordinator will also attend your first patient visit with you, and provide ongoing shadowing, training, and support.
How much time do I need to commit?
We’ll work with your schedule! Most volunteers visit their patient once a week for about 1–2 hours, but that’s flexible. What matters most is consistency – our patients look forward to seeing a familiar face.
Where do volunteer visits take place?
Visits happen wherever our patients call home – private residences, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. We currently have patients at over 20 facilities across our service area. We’ll do our best to match you with someone close to your area.
What kinds of activities can I do with patients?
Every patient is unique! Some enjoy music, puzzles, or reminiscing about old times. Others may appreciate a gentle hand to hold or someone to sit quietly with them. Your presence is what makes the difference.
What if I’m not sure what to say or do during a visit?
That’s completely normal! Many new volunteers feel that way at first. During training, we’ll share communication tips and ideas for meaningful visits. Your Volunteer Coordinator is always available for guidance, reassurance, or a listening ear.
How do you match volunteers with patients?
We take your comfort level, schedule, and preferences into account, and pair you with a patient whose personality and needs align with yours. It’s all about building natural, meaningful connections.
Are there non-patient volunteer opportunities?
Yes! If you prefer to help behind the scenes, we have administrative, community outreach, and special event roles. Every helping hand makes a difference.
Can I volunteer if I’ve recently lost a loved one?
We recommend waiting at least a year after losing someone close before volunteering directly with patients. Grief takes time – and we want to make sure you’re emotionally ready for this work. You’re welcome to start with non-patient volunteer roles in the meantime.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes. Volunteers who visit patients must be 18 or older.
However, we also love involving children and teens through our Little Hands, Big Hearts program, where local daycares and schools create art and cards for our patients. It’s a beautiful way for young hearts to give back.
How do I get started?
It’s easy! Just fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule a brief interview and get you moving in the volunteer process. From there, we’ll match you with a patient or role that fits your interests and availability.
What if I feel emotional or overwhelmed?
Hospice work touches the heart, and it’s okay to feel deeply. Many volunteers find it meaningful but also emotional at times. We encourage open communication and offer support through our Coordinator, our chaplain, or social worker anytime you need to talk.
Why is volunteering in hospice so meaningful?
Because it’s love in action. Hospice volunteering is about presence – showing up with kindness, compassion, and respect during one of life’s most tender chapters. We meet our patients wherever they are on their journey.
Volunteers often tell us that the experience changes their outlook on life – reminding them what truly matters: connection, laughter, and love.