Become A Hospice Volunteer

Give the Gift of Your Time

If you have a passion for caring for others and are looking for a way to make a difference in people’s lives, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Our volunteers are an important part of our hospice care team, helping improve the quality of life for our patients, their families and their caregivers. Mission Healthcare works together with volunteers and provides training so that you can become comfortable in your role and have a greater impact on the patients and families we serve.

Ways to Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Hospice Volunteers can do just about anything. Our volunteers are key members of our team, whether their role is helping patients, working in the office, or assisting with a special event. Explore our volunteer opportunities to find the right match for you.

The Impact of Volunteering

4 Reasons to Become a Hospice Volunteer

Hospice volunteers help patients and families with compassionate care and support during the end-of-life process. You will have the opportunity to lift up your community by providing critical services to support patients and families. You will learn and grow in the following ways:

You can make a real difference — in your own life and in the lives of others.
You’ll be a part of a community — and a team — dedicated to helping those facing life’s most difficult circumstances.
You can enhance your personal and professional growth.
You can participate in activities you enjoy and are passionate about.

Testimonials

Hear From Our Volunteers

I have spent 20 years working with volunteers. It brings me so much joy and at the same time humility, to work with people who give so generously to others. Volunteers are an inspiration and add such value to our patients and families. — Volunteer Coordinator

I’m proud to volunteer for such an outstanding organization. I’m a friendly face and a hand to hold for patients. Additionally, I provide much-needed breaks for caregivers who tend to their spouse or family members so that they can run errands or recharge. It’s very rewarding. — Patient Care Volunteer

Volunteering in Hospice Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteering at Mission Healthcare is an immensely rewarding experience. We’ve answered some of the most common concerns about volunteering so you can make a more informed decision.

Volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team and provide patients, caregivers and family members with support during this important and stressful time. Caregiving for loved ones with a life-limiting illness can be exhausting. Volunteers offer opportunities for companionship, assistance or a much needed break. Additionally, hospice care is a certified Medicare benefit and it is the only Medicare benefit that mandates volunteers be part of the hospice program.
Volunteers report a sense of personal satisfaction as they make significant contributions to both the community and patients receiving hospice care. Many volunteers state that being involved in hospice work allows them to better prioritize important aspects of their own lives.
Our volunteers stay connected and supported through recurring educational meetings. Additionally, Volunteer coordinators are in regular contact with volunteers, primarily by phone and by email.
No – you just need to be compassionate and willing to help.
As a volunteer, you must attend free and comprehensive training sessions before you can work with hospice patients. The training you receive will depend entirely on the type of volunteer work you will perform. Following the training, you will go through an interview, background check, and tuberculosis screening. These steps protect hospice patients and their families as you work with them.
If you are unable to work directly with hospice patients, we still have many types of volunteer opportunities that don’t involve patient care such as craft projects and administrative tasks.

Volunteers do not provide personal or medical care for patients. They do not feed, medicate, ambulate, transfer patients, etc.
Absolutely. We encourage involvement in a variety of volunteer activities and want you to feel satisfied.
Volunteers who are at least 18 years of age may work directly with patients once they have completed the interview/ training process. Mature teens of ages 16 and 17 may be considered.
To maintain safety for our patients and families, we have a few requirements of our hospice volunteers such as a background check, references, completion of necessary training, TB test (for roles involving patient contact), and other necessary documentation.
There are no set volunteer schedules and volunteer services are flexible and can work around most schedules. If you choose to volunteer for patient care or vigil, you must be willing and able to commit to four hours of service a week for at least a year. Other volunteer opportunities are variable, depending on project/job-specific needs.
Submit an online application below then our Volunteer team will be in touch regarding next steps.

Ready to Lend a Hand?

Become a Volunteer in California

Consider becoming a hospice volunteer if you’re passionate about helping others. We welcome new members to our volunteer family in California. Your application is the first step to join our volunteer family.

Apply Now

Download Application