Serving as a hospice volunteer can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Many feel led to volunteer after a personal experience with hospice for a loved one, although a personal experience is not required. Whether you are looking to provide direct care or indirect care for our patients at Hospice of North Alabama, your time as a volunteer can increase the quality of our patients’ and families’ lives while providing support to the hospice team. Direct Care Volunteers have an opportunity to provide emotional, social, and spiritual support to patients and their families. This type of volunteer can also provide social interaction and caregiver relief. Our volunteers are carefully matched with the patients and families that they serve, and consideration is given for both the needs of the patient and the needs of a volunteer prior to a match. Volunteers will never be expected to complete volunteer assignments that are outside of their scope of comfort. Examples of direct care volunteering include: providing companionship with patients, preparing meals for patients and families, light housework, yard work, and sharing talents such as singing, reading, or playing cards. Indirect Care Volunteers have an opportunity to support our patients, their families, and our hospice team through administrative services. These services enhance the day to day operations of our hospice team. Examples of indirect care volunteering include: office support, clerical duties, setup for special events, and preparation of bereavement letters, mailings, or newsletters for community outreach. Hospice of North Alabama complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Our team welcomes and invites anyone with an interest in serving others to consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Previous hospice experience is not required. Our training involves an orientation to hospice care, CPR certification (for Direct Care Volunteers), a TB skin test, and a review of volunteer job responsibilities. For more information or to become a Volunteer at Hospice of North Alabama, contact Erica Hubbard, Volunteer Coordinator, at 256-476-6062 or erica.hubbard@hospiceofnorthalabama.com.