AccentCare strives to provide excellence in end-of-life care for patients and families. AccentCare has developed several specialty roles that allow volunteers to utilize their own strengths and interests. This offers a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience and enhances the quality of life for our patients and families.
Areas of interest
Volunteers play a vital role in bringing comfort, connection, and support to the patients and families we serve. We offer a variety of meaningful opportunities that allow you to share your skills, passions, and compassion in ways that make a lasting impact.
Administrative volunteers
These volunteers support the program by handling essential office tasks that keep daily operations running smoothly.
Bereavement volunteers
These volunteers support families throughout their first year of bereavement services, offering guidance and compassionate follow‑up during a difficult time.
Circle of care volunteers
These volunteers call patients or their caregivers weekly to check on their needs prior to the weekend.
Direct care volunteers
These volunteers provide bedside companionship and emotional support to patients and caregivers, offering comfort during challenging moments.
Florence Nightingale nurse volunteers
These volunteers honor patients who dedicated their lives to nursing in a special pinning ceremony.
Legacy volunteers
These volunteers use crafts and multimedia tools to help capture meaningful memories and honor the unique legacy of each patient.
Loyal friends pet companion volunteers
These volunteers partner with certified therapy animals to provide comfort, engagement and emotional support for patients.
Memory bear sewist volunteers
These volunteers transform a patient’s clothing into a personalized stuffed bear, creating a meaningful keepsake for families to cherish.
Music companion volunteers
These volunteers share music with patients and families, offering comfort, connection, and moments of peace through meaningful musical engagement.
Pen pal volunteers
These volunteers provide emotional support by writing handwritten notes to patients.
Reiki and healing touch volunteers
These volunteers are certified practitioners who use the movement of energy to alleviate symptoms.
Spiritual companion volunteers
These volunteers engage patients in familiar spiritual practices and supportive activities that offer comfort, connection and peace.
Vet-to-Vet volunteers
These volunteers offer companionship to fellow Veterans and take part in Veteran pinning ceremonies, honoring their service and fostering meaningful connection.
Vigil volunteers
These volunteers provide a peaceful presence for patients who have little or no family support, ensuring no one is alone at the end of life.
Volunteer access
Whether you’re just getting started or already part of our volunteer community, choose the path that best fits your needs.
Selection process
Volunteer selection begins with an application and interview, during which potential volunteers may express their personal goals, availability, interests and talents. Volunteers are carefully screened through a criminal background check, motor vehicle report and personal references.
Training and support
- Direct care volunteers are required to participate in initial hospice volunteer training as well as basic orientation. Training is offered in multiple formats and locations throughout the AccentCare Hospice service areas. Specific skill sets may require additional interviews, selection and program-specific training.
- Indirect care volunteers receive basic orientation and training specific to their tasks, and are encouraged to attend initial hospice volunteer training. Volunteer training and orientation provide an opportunity to learn new skills and recognize skills they already possess.
Areas of training
- Hospice mission, history, and philosophy of care
- Role of the volunteer and the interdisciplinary team
- Spiritual and cultural diversity
- Confidentiality
- Listening and communication skills
- Patient care
- Disease processes
- Self-care
- Precautions
- Grief and bereavement
- Resources
Additional support meetings and educational opportunities are offered throughout the year, along with ongoing personal support and social gatherings.
Related resources
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