Signature Volunteers are the very BEST! We're excited to announce that we have recently opened our newest Hospice agency location, right here in Bend. We will be providing care to those who live in Redmond, Sisters, Bend and La Pine.
Hospice volunteers don’t need any specific kind of experience, but must be able to pass a criminal background check. Volunteering can be an opportunity to learn new skills, or to use the abilities you already have. We provide the training needed.
We have many different types of volunteer opportunities, and some require as little as an hour or two a week. Just let us know how much time you’d like to give, and we’ll find the right volunteer position for you.
As a volunteer with Signature Hospice, you have several options to choose from. We offer a variety of different ways to become a part of our team, including:
1. Direct Patient Care/ Family Support Volunteers provide personal care or emotional support and practical assistance, which enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients and families/caregivers. They’re a caring, friendly face for chatting, reading, playing games, watching TV, listening to music, and sharing stories. Volunteer visits also offer respite to the family caregiver, who can take a break from caregiving — and even leave the house to run errands or relax.
2. Vigil Volunteers provide a supportive presence during a patient’s final hours. They offer a beautiful final gift of peace and solace to those they serve. Vigil Volunteers may hold the person’s hand, speak or read to them, play the person’s favorite music, or simply be a comforting presence at the bedside. Vigil visits also help reassure family members, who may not be able to stay with the patient.
3. Office volunteers lend their services working in our administrative office. Some administrative tasks are organizing, filing, collating, data entry, phone calls and more.. Their behind-the-scenes contributions help our vital services to operate efficiently.
4. Bereavement Volunteers make phone calls to those who’ve recently experienced a loss. They make calls at 2 months and 10 months with the bereaved, and remind them that Signature Hospice is still there for them if they need grief support or other assistance.
5. Vet-to-Vet Volunteers provide support from military veterans to Signature Hospice veteran patients. Veterans often appreciate contact with another vet – someone who personally experienced the culture of military service – even if they served during a different time or place. Vet-to-Vet Volunteers may share stories and experiences; assist with pinning, medal and blanket presentations; record stories to preserve in the Library of Congress or for the family’s legacy, and help obtain missing medals.
6. Pet Therapy Volunteers provide direct support to our patients through visits with their already-certified therapy dogs.
7. Music Performers share the gift of music with patients and their friends living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These hospice volunteers must be comfortable performing for groups, and provide their own instruments (if applicable).
What are the steps to become a volunteer with Signature Hospice? First, contact us about your interest in becoming a hospice volunteer. (Contact Holli Holland at holli.holland@sighch.com).We will explain the process, orientation, and training. If you’ve recently experienced a loss, we ask that you wait a year before volunteering. You do not have to be a healthcare professional to be a hospice care volunteer with Signature. We welcome you to use the talents you already have, or if you’d like, broaden your horizons and learn new skills.
