Volunteer Support Services

The men, women and young adults who volunteer their time and energy for Hospice are truly unique individuals. Many choose to work with our families because of their own experience with losing a loved one. Others have not yet experienced such a personal loss, but truly want to help those families who are facing the day to day emotional and physical struggle of caring for their loved ones.

Family Support/Respite Volunteers

These volunteers help provide respite for the caregiver and/or services for the patient that include visits that take place in the patient's or caregiver's home, at Niagara Hospice House and Hospice at Jeanne's House - A Northgate and Niagara Hospice Collaboration, and at area long term care facilities where hospice patients reside. While visiting patients, volunteers may just talk, read the paper or a book to the patient, play cards or do other activities. They may also perform light housework or home repairs, provide transportation for shopping or medical visits for patients who are able to get out, or just provide a hand to hold while the family caregivers take a much deserved break.

Vigil Team Volunteers
Specially trained volunteers provide intense support, encouragement and comfort to a family when the patient's death is imminent and the caregiver fears being alone. Vigil support is also available to residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care. Many families take comfort in knowing someone is at their loved one's bedside when they can not be there, or if they just need someone for support.

Professional/Skilled Volunteers
Individuals who provide a variety of professional or technical services that support Niagara Hospice programs and clients such as musicians and hairdressers. Volunteer drivers are also utilized to help with deliveries and transportation as needed.

Veteran Volunteers
As part of the We Honor Veterans initiative with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Veteran's Administration (VA), Niagara Hospice actively recruits veterans to serve as hospice volunteers to visit patients who are also veterans. These veteran volunteers share a special and often meaningful camaraderie with their hospice patients.

Niagara Hospice Superteen Volunteers
Niagara Hospice Super Teen volunteers are proving that volunteering is for anyone - no matter what your age! These volunteers are high school students dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Niagara Hospice patients. Superteen Volunteers produce Legacy Videos for patients who want to share their life story with family and friends for years to come.

For more information about volunteer service, contact the Volunteer Services Department at 716-280-0748 or click here to send an e-mail.