Rewarding Vocation

Support. Comfort. Companionship.

	"It is not the magnitude of our actions, but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." — Mother Teresa

That is what Iowa Hospice volunteers provide to those in the community who are dealing with the challenges of a life-limiting or terminal illness. Volunteers are ready to help in any situation, and the services provided by volunteers oftentimes include assisting a patient or family member with basic activities of daily life. Volunteers are also trained to listen to patients and support families in patients’ homes, assisted-living facilities, or nursing homes.

We understand that not everyone is comfortable with patient care, but there are other rewarding volunteer opportunities within Iowa Hospice. Volunteers play an integral role in behind-the-scenes support of this agency in diversified and interesting areas. Volunteers are provided with specific job descriptions so that they are completely aware of the expectations of their assigned position. Additionally, volunteers are given training to provide them with the tools that they need to be successful.

"Hospice volunteering isn’t about sadness and tears. In fact, it isn’t that way at all. It’s about how you live." — Kathleen Runyan

Iowa Hospice volunteers are important members of an interdisciplinary team working to deinstitutionalize the dying experience and provide a more humane system of care for dying patients and their families. In fact, federal law requires volunteers to provide 5 percent of patient care hours. We know that hospice volunteers find it personally gratifying, intellectually stimulating, and emotionally meaningful to assist those in need at a critical juncture in their lives.