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Looking for something meaningful to do with as little as one hour a week of your time?

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the hospice philosophy. It is their continued support and commitment that allows a hospice plan of care to work effectively for the individual and the family. Whether it is through office help, family support, pet or music visits, family caregiver or bereavement services, or fundraising activities – each volunteer is vital to the mission of Niagara Hospice to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time – for every patient, every family, every time.

The men, women and young adults who volunteer their time, talent and energy for Niagara 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, at Hospice at Jeanne’s House – A Northgate and Niagara Hospice Collaboration, at David’s Path – A Schoellkopf and Niagara Hospice collaboration, and at other 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, visit with their well-trained pet, 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

These 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 or is unable to remain bedside 24/7. Vigil support is also available to residents receiving hospice care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult homes. Many families take comfort in knowing someone is at their loved one’s bedside when they cannot be there, or if they just need someone for support.

Professional/Skilled Volunteers

Some of our Niagara Hospice volunteers provide a variety of professional or technical services such as music visits and hairdressing. Volunteer drivers are also utilized to help with deliveries and transportation as needed.

Administrative Support Volunteers

Volunteers provide a variety of services that support Niagara Hospice staff and day-to-day operations. These tasks may include clerical help, office and reception support, mailings and special projects.

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 receiving hospice care.

Pet Visits

Trained Niagara Hospice volunteers who have certified Pet Therapy dogs make visits to patients in their homes and at Niagara Hospice contracted facilities. These charming dogs have the unique ability to brighten anyone’s day!

Event Volunteers & Niagara Hospice Memorial Gardens

Visit our “Events” page to learn more about the different fundraisers and remembrance events coordinated throughout the community by Niagara Hospice. If you would like to help at one of our special events or provide assistance in our Niagara Hospice Memorial Gardens, call us at (716) 280-0748 – we’d love to have your help!

Click here to view our Volunteer Flyer