Hospice of the Valley provides opportunities for college students to earn direct patient experience, while patients and their families gain a steadfast companion. Students are placed in a volunteer role suited to their availability and interests. In addition to training, students benefit from ongoing mentorship by their Volunteer Coordinator, who is invested in the student’s learning. Students most commonly serve as volunteers in the following roles:
Patient Companion – Students provide individualized support to patients and families through one-on-one assignments. On weekly visits, students enhance a patient’s sense of connection and dignity through meaningful activities, or offer peace of mind to a caregiver wishing to leave the home to attend to their own self-care.
Inpatient Care Home – Students support paid staff during a weekly shift at a Hospice of the Valley inpatient unit. This position affords students the opportunity to gain experience in a clinical environment while assisting with administrative and patient care tasks that allow nurses, nursing assistants and social workers to deliver individualized clinical care to patients.
Dementia Care and Education Campus – Students engage in meaningful activities with our Dementia Campus residents in our assisted Living or Adult Day Center.
College Partners Program – Give caregivers a break by offering respite visits to those experiencing Dementia in our Supportive Care for Dementia program.
Volunteering has been an excellent way for me to contribute to my community and has allowed me to connect with individuals from all walks of life. My time spent here has been rich, meaningful, and fulfilling. I love being a part of such a wonderful organization, and I cherish the friendships I have made over the years.
It has been an honor to support these families during some of the most critical moments of their lives. I feel as if I’ve grown immensely as an individual, and I look forward to continuing volunteering with this wonderful group of people.
I was nervous when I first began volunteering, but that quickly dissipated when I met the wonderful patients, families and staff. I love that each visit is unique and provides an opportunity to make a difference in a patient’s life.
My experience with Hospice of the Valley has been enlightening. I see that patients still have a light in them and want to participate with others. The most significant part has been listening to their stories and seeing them for who they truly are. Even as a young person, I have learned that I can provide this interaction. At the end of the day, I don’t need to do much; I just need to be a presence.
As a social work student, volunteering has given me a leap start and broadened my horizons to see the different populations I can work with. Volunteering with hospice patients has made me more aware of myself and others.
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