Background
Mission Hospice provides professional, compassionate end-of-life care, bereavement support, and education for the San Mateo County community. Working as a team, specially trained nurses, doctors, Social Workers, Spiritual Counselors, and volunteers address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.
We tailor a care plan especially for each patient, with sensitivities to cultural, spiritual, and personal preferences. Our continuum of care allows patients (and, importantly, their families) to remain with the same support team throughout their journey.
We are dedicated to helping people throughout the challenges of a terminal diagnosis. Donations from the community support our exceptional care and educational programs, and help us serve people regardless of their medical coverage or ability to pay.
Volunteer role
Our Direct Care Volunteers provide important emotional and social support to our patients and their families. Whether it’s reading a book, running an errand, taking a short walk, or listening to stories about grandchildren and days of old, your time will make a very special difference in the lives of your patients and their families.
As a Direct Care Volunteer, you will
- Provide companionship
- Provide a calm, non-anxious presence
- Listen impartially and without judgment
- Help the patient with storytelling
- Identify activities that define quality of life
- Strengthen the patient’s sense of being in control
- Share observations with staff regarding the patient’s care plan
- Help the family normalize the dying experience
- Report the patient’s pain level
- Report possible abuse and/or falls to the Volunteer Coordinator
- Help feed the patient
- Join the patient on outings
- Provide transportation to the patient
- Run errands
- Help with other tasks as assigned or needed
Qualifications
No experience is required. Volunteers must be emotionally and physically able to serve, and be available to volunteer 4 hours/week (as needed). Your volunteer hours will be flexible, depending on the needs of your patient’s family and your own schedule.
We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 12 months of service after completing training. Direct Care Volunteers report to, and are annually evaluated by, the Volunteer Coordinator.
Our experienced volunteers offer mentoring and other support. We will never ask you to do anything that takes you out of your physical or emotional comfort zone.
Application process
- Complete a volunteer
- Have a confidential
- Upon acceptance into the program, prospective volunteers must:
- Provide required documentation (including Driver’s License and proof of auto insurance)
- Consent to criminal background check and TB screening
- Complete 26 hours of training
Training, continuing education, and evaluation
Mission Hospice provides volunteers with 26 hours of required training to prepare for visiting patients. Training is four Saturdays from 9:30 – 3, and two Thursdays from 6 – 8pm.
In addition, Continuing Education / Support Meetings are provided on the first Saturdays and third Thursdays of each month. These are recommended but not required, unless otherwise announced.
