Opportunities

Hospice Direct Care Volunteer:
As part of the hospice team, individuals work directly with patients and their families. They fill an important need for companionship, emotional support, and often respite for the caregivers. A mandatory 20 hour training is offered twice yearly.

Hospice Bereavement Volunteer:
Under the direct supervision of the bereavement coordinator, the volunteer visits with families after the death of a loved one. Some visits are person-to-person while others are made by either telephone or by written correspondence. Bereavement volunteers must attend a mandatory 20 hour training held twice yearly.

Clerical Support Volunteer:
Clerical assistance (i.e. filing, copying, computer entry, mailings, etc.) is needed in all Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut program areas. On site training is provided.

Caring Calls Volunteer:
The Caring Calls Volunteer is responsible for phoning discharged patients to obtain updated information on their present health condition. A pleasant speaking voice and good listening skills are needed.

Music by Bedside Volunteer:
Music by Bedside is a program offered free of charge to hospice patients and their families in their home, hospital, or skilled nursing facility. The goal is to support the patient and family, allowing them to experience what they need through the music. Music by Bedside volunteers must be competent in their craft as well as complete a mandatory 14 hour agency training program.

Caring Canines Volunteer:
Caring Canines is a visiting pets program that utilizes dogs exclusively. Dogs and their handlers visit with hospice patients in their home, hospital, or skilled nursing facility, providing companionship and opportunities for socialization. All dogs and their handlers must be thoroughly trained, certified, and insured by a nationally recognized agency. Additionally, documentation must be submitted yearly to certify that the animal is free of infections, contagious diseases, & dermatological problems. Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella must be up to date and an annual fecal culture must be completed.

Reiki Volunteer:
Reiki volunteers must have completed a minimum of Reiki II training in addition to the agency’s 20 hour volunteer training held twice yearly. Reiki is offered as a free service to hospice patients and their caregivers as well as part of our bereavement service after the death of a loved one.

Meals On Wheels Volunteer:
Meals on Wheels utilizes volunteer drivers to pick-up and deliver meals in their own vehicles on established routes. Meals are picked up and containers returned to Manchester Memorial Hospital Monday through Friday. Volunteers choose day(s) to meet their personal needs.

Vigil Volunteer:
Vigil volunteers are those who have completed the mandatory hospice training and are available, upon request, to provide additional support to patients and families during the final days and hours of life. Each volunteer can remain at the patient’s bedside for periods of up to 4 hours. A succession of volunteers can provide 24 hour vigils when called upon.

On site training is provided.