Volunteering in Hospice Brings Rewards for Patients and Caregivers Alike

On Martin Luther King Day, Holy Redeemer Hospice will host an open house for prospective volunteers who want to make a real difference in the life of a deserving person or family.

It takes a very special, compassionate person to become a hospice volunteer – someone who can provide companionship and support for patients and offer respite to family members while they run important errands, get a breath of fresh air, or just rest. Hospice volunteers work closely with the professional hospice team (doctors, nurses, case managers, social workers and clergy) in fulfilling Holy Redeemer’s underlying mission to care, comfort and heal.

New volunteers often are surprised to find many patients greet each day with enthusiasm. They truly enjoy making connections and sharing aspects of their lives with people willing to listen.

That ability to listen is a vital trait. While playing cards or a board game with a patient, reading to them, or taking them for a walk – just listening to a patient’s thoughts and stories can create a meaningful connection. Many hospice patients are military veterans, so when they share their stories, they also are sharing a piece of history. Our volunteers share in that adventure.

It’s easy to understand why many hospice volunteers describe their work as being among the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

Holy Redeemer’s open house will take place Monday, January 19th, from 10-11:30 a.m. at its Atlantic County headquarters, 6550 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 08234.

Our planned program will give prospective volunteers the chance to talk to volunteers representing a range of activities, including:

· Holy Redeemer’s “We Honor Veterans” program

· Professional pet therapists

· Vigil volunteers, patient care volunteers, bereavement volunteers

· Junior volunteers (ages 14-17)

Persons interested in attending the open house may RSVP Jeanne Stoll at: (609) 761-0230, or email her at jstoll@holyredeemer.com .

Jeanne Stoll

6550 Delilah Road

Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 08234

(609) 761-0230

jstoll@holyredeemer.com