The Role of a Coastal Hospice Volunteer
Our volunteers make a difference by helping hospice teams provide dignity and quality of life to patients and there are many different ways to help. Hospice volunteers are highly trained, motivated, caring individuals with a broad range of life experience. Often our volunteers say that being a hospice volunteer is an experience that has changed their lives and that they have received so much more than they have given.
Ways a Volunteer Can Help
- Provide companionship to patients by playing cards, reading a book, holding a hand, watching TV together or just being present
- Sit with patients while caregivers run errands, attend appointments or take a much-needed nap
- Deliver groceries to patients’ homes
- Write letters, make phone calls or run errands for patients
- Assist with various office tasks
- Assist with sorting and pricing of merchandise, create displays, operate the cash register or assist customers at our Thrift Shop
- Crochet, knit or quilt blankets or twiddle muffs for patient
Volunteer Positions
Patient Care
Patient care volunteers provide basic comfort and companionship to patients and their families at home; in nursing and assisted living facilities in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties; at the Stansell House in Berlin; and at our inpatient facility, Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury.
Fundraising
Fundraising volunteers staff events and put together mailings. Committee members to help plan events are also needed.
Bereavement
Bereavement volunteers provide emotional support and assistance during the 13-month period following the Hospice patient’s death.
Administrative
Administrative/clerical volunteers assist staff at Coastal Hospice at the Lake, the Stansell House, and Salisbury offices.
We Honor Veterans
Volunteers who are veterans themselves interact with veteran patients and provide an Honors Salute as part of Coastal Hospice’s We Honor Veterans program. Learn More
Thrift Shop
Thrift Shop volunteers provide support for the operation of the thrift shop located in Berlin that generates funding for the Macky & Pam Stansell House.
*Patient care and bereavement volunteers undergo a minimum of 16 hours of training. Volunteering at the Thrift Shop requires only an orientation; no training required. Also, we have special events during the year that require volunteers and anyone can help. All volunteers require a background check.
Please feel free to contact the Volunteer Services office by email at volservices@coastalhospice.org or by phone (410) 543-2590 if you have questions.
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