Our volunteers are a vital component of the hospice care teams. The Westminster Canterbury at Home volunteers is involved in a wide range of services that aim to enhance our patients' quality of life and the families we serve.
Direct Patient Support Volunteers
Patient support volunteers provide companionship visits and support to the patient and the family. Volunteers are nonmedical and therefore do not provide hands-on care. Volunteers assist families by providing respite care. Visits may include reading, puzzles, taking walks, reminiscing, writing letters, music, prayer, and light household chores, all while being a comforting presence.
11th Hour Support Volunteers
Volunteers are readily available to provide a comforting presence in a patient's final hours.
Administrative/Office Volunteers
Administrative volunteers work with our office staff and assist with daily office work. Responsibilities can include preparing mailings, putting together welcome baskets, preparing admission packets, filing, special projects, etc.
Bereavement Support Volunteers
Bereavement volunteers support our bereavement program by assisting with check-in calls, routine mailings, and helping with our annual remembrance dinner. Select volunteers who have gained a rapport with a family may attend funeral services and/or continue supportive visits with the family after a patient's death.
Cheer Team
Volunteers on our Cheer Team assist in a variety of ways. Volunteers can share their talents by knitting, crocheting, and making other comfort items for patients. Volunteers with a love and talent with music anniversaries and/or other memorable moments.
Veteran Volunteers
Veteran volunteers assist with Veteran Pinnings and support veterans on our services during one-on-one patient visits.
Youth Volunteers
Volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's approval and are
still required to undergo the hospice volunteer onboarding process.
Youth volunteers are required to be supervised by a parent or adult during one on one patient visits. Parents/Guardians will also be required to undergo the volunteer onboarding and screening processes.
Reading Buddy Program
The Reading Buddy program is designed for Grades K - 12. All reading levels are welcome. This program helps engage youth by creating an opportunity for kids to serve hospice patients through companionship and reading. This program will build confidence and assist in bridging age gaps across generations.
Reading Buddies will be encouraged to pick meaningful books with special meaning to each patient. Spreading laughter, love, and friendship one page at a time.
All Reading Buddy volunteers will be screened for maturity and emotional readiness. Youth volunteers are required to be supervised by a parent or adult during one on one patient visits. Parents/Guardians will also be required to undergo the volunteer onboarding and screening processes.
Special Event Volunteers/Special Skills
Notaries, barbers, beauticians, massage therapists, choirs, artists, musicians, pet therapists, knitters, crocheters, crafters, etc.
How to become a Hospice Volunteer at Westminster Canterbury at Home?
All individuals interested in becoming a Hospice Volunteer must complete the following:
- Application
- Reference Checks
- Interview
- TB Vaccine
Selected individuals will then be required to have the following before they can start volunteering:
- Criminal Background Check
- Registered Sex Offender Check
- Attend Volunteer Orientation/Training
Westminster-Canterbury will cover all background checks and screenings at Home.
