Hospice Volunteers

Enrich your life:  Become a hospice volunteer

Dignity, peace, comfort, love and joy are some of the most important things in life.  Hospice is looking for caring and sensitive volunteers willing to use their special talents, skills and life experiences to offer support to patients and families. We're happy to answer your questions about becoming a volunteer.

Volunteer opportunities:

• Patient and family care 
• Facility
• Bereavement
• Vigil
• Pet therapy
• Musical
• Administration
• Ambassador volunteers
• Teen volunteers

The focus of hospice is compassionate care.  Enrich your life! Volunteer!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead

Frequently asked questions

How do you become a volunteer?
Becoming a hospice volunteer is easy. Call us at 540.741.1667 for more information. Or you can download a volunteer application form and send it to the address or fax number listed on the form.

What kind of commitment is required of me?
While most Mary Washington Hospice volunteers give 1-4 hours per week, we are always open to whatever time and talents an individual is willing to share.

Will I receive training, and what will that involve?
Once you complete the application process, comprehensive training will be provided. Our volunteer training is an interactive series of classes that will provide the following:

• The history of hospice
• End-of-life care choices and advanced directives
• Social issues associated with hospice patients
• Basic introduction to body mechanics
• Standard precautions
• Care of the hospice patient and family
• Bereavement and spiritual care

In addition, upon completion of training all volunteers have the option to be mentored before being asked to perform any duties independently.

Volunteer testimonial

“One of the most caring things a person can do is listening. Sometimes a person just needs to merely talk about their feelings and an open ear usually helps. Sharing and listening go hand in hand. I volunteer to try and have an impact on others' lives like I was blessed to have in my life. Volunteering is about giving a helping hand.”

-Amanda Herbert, 2006 Mary Washington Hospice volunteer