Salus Hospice Volunteering

The vet-to-vet volunteer program pairs veteran volunteers with hospice patients who are veterans, empowering them to share a cultural bond of honor and trust. The role of the volunteer is to help dissolve barriers and honor the sacrifice and service of the hospice patient.

Paw Pals dog therapy volunteers and their pets visit hospice patients and their families in the home, board and care, or facility. This important volunteer opportunity provides a wide range of physical, emotional and social benefits that improve mood and enhance the hospice experience.

Vigil Volunteers provide a loving presence to hospice patients who are actively dying so no one dies alone and all patients maintain dignity at the end of life. Volunteers receive specialized training, learning how to provide support to patients and families as death approaches.

The Threshold Choir provides comfort and honor at the end of life. Groups of two to four singers visit patients bedside, using gentle voices and song to express kindness. The choir eases stress and anxiety so patients find peace throughout various stages of the hospice care experience.

Music enrichment volunteers use instrumental talents to sooth and comfort hospice patients by offering diversion, bringing back memories and encouraging a smile. This is an important form of emotional and sometimes spiritual support that enriches the hospice care experience.

Companion visitors help to relieve the burdens that family caregivers often face when caring for a loved one in hospice. They provide companionship, friendship and support to patients while family members step away as well as beneficial assistance with simply daily household chores.

Hairstylists empower patients and families, helping to change how they feel. Volunteers with a current cosmetology license provide a variety of hair styling services and makeovers to boost mood and self-confidence, elicit a smile and bring normalcy to the hospice care experience.

Massage therapists provide gentle massage to support hospice patients. This beneficial service not only relieves pain and discomfort, but it provides hospice patients with the opportunity to bond with their therapist and enjoy the many emotional, spiritual and health benefits of touch.

Administrative volunteers support our office staff by answering phones, filing paperwork and assisting with other clerical and administrative tasks. Their support helps us to maintain Joint Commission accreditation standards and provide the best care to patients and families.

Memory pillows and other artisan crafts offer families a tangible way to remember a loved one after a loss. Talented artisan volunteers handcraft these symbolic items with love and gift them to families to provide a permanent keepsake to cherish and hold near.

Uniquely rewarding hospice internship programs provide students with opportunities to increase their knowledge base and experience while working alongside seasoned hospice care professionals. Internships are approved by many universities and nursing school programs.