Hospice Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer FAQs

Who volunteers for Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice?

We welcome volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Many of our volunteers have had a loved one in hospice care and want to give back. Some feel called to hospice work. While others want to gain valuable experience in health care.

Most of our volunteers not only volunteer with Gardens of Western Hospice but help at other organizations in their community too! And they have one thing in common...a desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Pat and Judy have been married for over 50 years and they volunteer to be a conduit for God’s love for hospice and their church. Pat, a Vietnam Veteran, felt called to recognize his fellow veterans and Judy, as a retired nurse, missed patient contact and so visits patients. Together, they sit vigil at the bedside of dying patients.

Brian is currently applying to medical schools and gaining valuable experience with one-on-one visits with patients.

How do Hospice Volunteers help?

Administrative volunteers are integral to our operations helping with data entry, chart maintenance, organization and special projects and events.

Patient support volunteers commit to be with our patients and families through the challenges and uncertainties of the weeks ahead and offer a listening ear, a hand to hold, and a caring presence. Additionally, veteran hospice volunteers offer specific veteran-to-veteran support. And some use their vocal, musical, or writing talents to enrich patients’ and families’ lives.

Helping Hands Volunteers make their impact on our patients and families by using their creative minds and hands to make memorable and unique items for our patients and families...beautiful handmade cards, delicious birthday cupcakes, sunny crocheted sunflowers, knitted and sewn warm lap blankets, and individually hand-painted watercolors.

Deb not only shares herself by sewing helpful items for patients and memory pillows for bereaved families, but also volunteers in the hospice office to assist with patient charts.

Shani, a gifted vocalist and community theater actress, shares her talent with music and makes memorable moments with patients.

Linda is a gifted watercolorist who takes a piece of unfinished wood and turns it into a one-of-a-kind remembrance for our bereaved families.

Where do they volunteer?

Patient Support Volunteers provide this assistance at nursing homes, assisted living communities, hospitals, or personal residences. Administrative volunteers typically help in our hospice office located on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls but may also help at community events. Helping Hands Volunteers typically volunteer from their own homes but some get together at each other’s homes or come into the office once a month.

What is the commitment?

For patient support and administrative volunteer roles, we ask for at least a 6-month commitment and 40 service hours due to the investment of screening, training and time. The monthly time commitment varies based on the volunteer’s role and the time they have available to give. This can be anything from one hour a month to 12 hours a month.

Is there any kind of experience or education necessary?

No experience is required. Before our Patient Support Volunteers begin helping our patients, families, and the organization, we make sure they are prepared, informed, and comfortable by providing education and training on hospice services, communication strategies, and end-of-life issues.

All you need is:

• A compassionate heart
• A teachable mind
• A giving spirit
• Helping hands
• Time in your life to share yourself with others 

Mackenzie, working mother of three boys, makes time to visit patients because it is something meaningful she does for herself.

Volunteer Form

If you are interested at looking into volunteer options at the Gardens of Western Reserve Hospice, please fill out the form below and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly. Thanks!