Coming Home Hospice - Volunteer Program

An oasis of caring and support

What is a Hospice Volunteer?

Volunteers are integral members of hospice patient care teams, which include physicians, nurses, social workers, attendants, chaplains and bereavement counselors. The care provided by the team is focused on promoting maximum comfort, independence and quality of life through the provision of physical, psychosocial, practical, spiritual and bereavement support. Hospice patients include adults with cancer, AIDS and other terminal illnesses.

Current Volunteer Opportunities at CHH

Volunteers offer special kinds of support in a variety of capacities:

• Patient Care Volunteers
  Provide emotional support and practical assistance, which enhance the comfort and quality of life for patients, their families and loved ones. These services include being available for companionship, listening or simply "being there," as well as running errands, preparing meals or arranging a special outing. Volunteers are assigned to Coming Home Hospice on a shift basis to be available to support any of the facility's 15 residents.
• Office and Reception Volunteers
  Assist with administrative clerical activities and serve as receptionists at the Coming Home Hospice residence.
• Kitchen Volunteers
  Assist staff with preparation of patient meals in the CHH kitchen.

Volunteer Qualifications & Training

All potential volunteers must first complete an application and attend an interview. If seeking a position as a direct patient care volunteer, you must first complete a 20-hour Hospice/Palliative Care/Bereavement Training Course. This training is offered twice a year and is free of charge. Other volunteer positions are available at Coming Home, which do not require the 20-hour intensive training.

Coming Home volunteers are carefully selected and must demonstrate special sensitivity toward the needs of our hospice patients and their families. Helping others through this difficult and critical time provides the volunteer with a sense of personal satisfaction and growth.

The Volunteer Services Department at California Pacific Medical Center facilitates the services of the Coming Home Volunteer Program along with the professional staff and provides supervision and support to all Coming Home volunteers.

For more information

For more information about Hospice Volunteer opportunities, please contact:

Volunteer Coordinator
CPMC Volunteer Services - Davies Campus
Castro and Duboce Streets
Level B, North Tower
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: 415-600-0374
Fax: 415-437-5460