Lesson Five: The Role of the Volunteer

As previously discussed, a hospice team consists of a team of professionals who work together to serve the needs of the terminally ill patient and his or her family. The team includes a Medical Director/Physician, Registered Nurse, Nurse’s Assistant, Social Worker/Counselor, Pastor, and a trained Volunteer. Additional members of the team are the caregivers at home who provide care for a family member or friend. In addition, if you are a volunteer from Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. who is assisting a Vaisnava in your community, then you are also an essential part of the hospice team.

Volunteers play a crucial role in an end-of-life situation. Often the already over-worked nursing staff will have limited time to spend with patients and family members. As a volunteer, you carry a big advantage. You can set aside time each day or each week that is directed at a particular goal. For example, you may want to spend a half-hour reading Srila Prabhupada’s books to your patient. Perhaps a quiet visit is all that is needed. Your patient may not feel like talking that day. He or she may not wish to hear reading at that particular time. Perhaps he or she may want your association, but may just need some quiet time. In that case, sitting in a quiet environment may be the answer. If you feel comfortable with the silence, so will your patient.

After visiting with your patient you may want to plan a half-hour sitting with your patient’s family or caregiver. The hospice philosophy includes caring for the patient and family members as one unit. The needs of all those concerned in a hospice situation are addressed by the hospice team. As a valuable member of that team, Vaisnava volunteers are asked to involve themselves in the needs of family members and loved ones as well. This time can be valuable to a caregiver who may be feeling the exhaustion that often goes along with giving 24-hour care. Having a friend visit for even a half-hour can provide an outlet for a caregiver to express concerns and anxieties. As a volunteer, you may not have to say much at this time. All that may be needed is for you to be a “sounding board.” During this time, you may want to ask the caregiver if he or she needs rest. If possible, ask if you can stay with the patient for a half-hour or so while the caregiver takes a much-needed break. Your kindness will be appreciated.

Back to top

Volunteers in a hospice situation not only provide emotional care, but can provide care on a basic, practical level. Some suggestions include:

--Ask if you can go food shopping for the patient and family

--Ask if you can do laundry once a week

--Ask if you can help with any paperwork that needs to be addressed

--Ask if you can help by doing some occasional light housekeeping

--Ask if you can arrange to have devotees visit

--Ask if any emails or letters need to be answered

--Ask if any phone calls need to be made

--Ask if you can go to the pharmacy to get needed medications

--Ask if you can prepare an occasional meal for the patient and family

--Ask if any special fruits or vegetables are needed for the patient’s special diet

There are so many ways a volunteer can assist those in need. As you get to know your patient and his or her family better, you will most likely think of other things that are needed as well. Because volunteers usually have more time to spend than paid staff, families may respond more openly and may want to share their wants and needs. Do not be afraid to simply ask what would help them the most. If there are more serious requests that need to be addressed, please contact the hospice RN or another member of the team to give them additional insight into the care of the patient and family they are caring for.

Back to top

Continue to Lesson Five Questions

Back to Caregiver Course information page

Lesson Five