I found that the nurses, social workers, grief counselors, and other volunteers were wonderful servants of this organization and I wanted give back what we had received. Not only are there volunteer opportunities with the patient and family directly, but also a bakery program for birthdays, a bingo program with local nursing homes, a children's camp program, errand running, and office work. Please call your local Hospice organization for more information. ET Thank you. You're right that hospices in every community have volunteer programs, appreciate the support and can provide life-enriching opportunities for members of the community.
Volunteers are the heart of hospice service.
I would only add that in addition to hospice programs, existing or emergin opportunities for volunteer service exist in communities across the countries in nursing homes but also through faith communities and, if we are attentive, also exist in our workplace communities and in our neighborhoods. The sense of being isolated and alone is a mjor factor contributing to the suffering of ill and dying people. No, not at all. Although, I chuckled when I read your question because I can see how it would seem morbid. The people that I meet in hospice or in theh hospitals are very much alive and although they are struggling with the symptoms and functional limitations of advanced illness, in addition to the sadness and struggles, their lives are also filled with rich moments of meaning, times of joy, and, frankly, more than a little humor.