In considering whether Hospice volunteering is a service you want to give at this time, please consider the ideas expressed below:
- Do you have an interest in the Hospice concept and have the desire to help others? Do you have some awareness of what is drawing you to Hospice work and are willing to explore this in depth?
- Are you sensitive to the special needs of dying patients and their families and have chosen to work to support them?
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- You are aware of the losses you have experienced, your way of grieving and have a sense of perspective about life and death, loss and grief. If you have experienced a significant personal loss within the past year, one which you are still actively grieving, please consider carefully your present ability to take on a demanding training program. This work can intensify your own grief. We will review each applicant individually in this regard.
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- Volunteering with those who have lost a loved one or facing end-of-life can be difficult at times. It is important that you have a good support system and ways of taking care of yourself, meeting change and the unexpected with ease.
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- You are able to be respectful of others' choices and ideas, even if they don’t coincide with your own. Religion, way of life and even the choice of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is respected as each individual’s choice. You are able to listen well and to validate others where they are, rather than where you might believe they should be.
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- You are not volunteering at Hospice with the purpose to change an individual’s personal choice at end-of-life but rather to provide compassionate care without judgment, allowing our clients to die with dignity in the manner they choose.
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- As you may be called on to work in a variety of areas and perform many different tasks, self-reliance, flexibility and adaptability are assets. Realistic awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses and the ability to set limits are important.
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- You are able to commit to up to 34 hours of volunteer education and ongoing training held every 6 weeks for 2 hours.
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- You are dedicated to committing up to one year (minimum) to becoming a Hospice volunteer. Note * you are able to set your pace of volunteering throughout the year to ensure it is cohesive with your personal life and self-care.
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- You like working as a part of a team and you are dedicated to your own growth ongoing learning.
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- Your personal strengths may likely include warmth, concern for people, a sense of humour and approachability.
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- You are willing to engage in ongoing digital communications with your volunteer team and the Volunteer Coordinator.
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- You are not bringing personal agendas or “missions” to your Hospice work and understand that our work is not to change people, but to be with them in their thinking in their life journey.