Who are hospice volunteers?
Hospice volunteers are men and women who have chosen to devote a portion of their time to assist patients and families receiving hospice care. They can be utilized both within the patient's home and in the nursing home setting.

How are volunteers prepared?
All volunteers working directly with patients have completed the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer Educational Program. In this program, volunteers learn the concept of hospice care and how to provide practical and emotional support to patients and families requesting assistance.

What can a volunteer do for you?
Volunteers can be used in a variety of ways. If the hospice patient is being cared for at home, the volunteer can come for a period of time to allow the caregiver an opportunity to run errands, rest or take a break. In the nursing home, as well as in the home, the volunteer can offer support to the patient in the form of a visit or an outing.

When are volunteers available and how many volunteers are assigned?
Volunteers can be arranged to come at a specific time each week or can be used occasionally as needed. The frequency and time they offer to stay varies with the patient's needs. One volunteer may be sufficient, but at times, it may be necessary to assign additional help.

Interested in becoming a Hospice of Dubuque volunteer?
Hospice of Dubuque has many volunteers who function in varying capacities. One such capacity is patient care. If you are interested in volunteering as a patient care volunteer, classes are offered in the fall of each year. Classes run for seven weeks and three hours each week. The time and location are determined each fall.
  
Volunteers are also needed to serve in non-patient care roles. Opportunities include stuffing envelopes, working at fundraising events and writing thank you notes. Class attendance is not necessary to volunteer in a non-patient care role. If you are interested in volunteering in either capacity, please contact the Hospice of Dubuque Volunteer Coordinator at 563.582.1220.