Our hospice team is made up of individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and a true sense of commitment to patients and families. Those who work in hospice believe that qualities such as empathy, warmth, and caring are key when choosing a person to be a team member.

This team of caregivers is led by a medical director and includes the patient’s primary care physician, nurses, social workers, home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, volunteers, and clergy. They place special emphasis on providing family members and caregivers with insight about the physical and emotional needs of the patient. We believe that understanding is the first step in fostering good communication and support.

Together with the patient and family, our team develops an individualized plan of care focusing on pain management and symptom control. Although the team brings to the patient different skills and strengths, they are united for one purpose—to help the patient find comfort during this final season of life.

Volunteers

When the Medicare benefit for hospice was created in 1982, it became the first federal mandate for the use of volunteers in America. From an operational standpoint, volunteers are required for hospice care agencies. From a humanitarian standpoint, volunteers add a personal touch that assists patients and families at one of the most crucial steps in life's journey. Their value is immeasurable.

Patient & Family Volunteers - Act as extension of the family in providing support to the patient and caregiver. Companion volunteers are trained to handle all situations that may arise while they are in the patient's home. These volunteers:

• provide companionship and friendship
  
• perform simple chores and run errands
  
• offer caregiver respite by sitting with the patient so the caregiver can attend to other tasks in, or outside, the home
  
• transport the patient to outside appointments
  
• offer grief and bereavement support to families
  

Office Support Volunteers - Work in the Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice office and assist with tasks that are important to maintain the organization's operations. These volunteers assist with:

• mailings
  
• filing
  
• making copies
  
• special projects and other clerical tasks

Community Outreach Volunteers - Represent Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice in the community and spread the word about the programs and services we offer. These volunteers:

• staff Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice booths at community events and fairs
  
• recruit new volunteers and supporters
  
• assist with fundraising projects and Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice events
  

All Hospice volunteers go through a training program that provides comprehensive education about hospice volunteering with specialized instruction geared toward the volunteer's area of interest

Volunteer Information