Volunteer
Volunteer For Hospice
Volunteers are valued members of the Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois. You can make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families while adding meaning to your own life. If you are interested in volunteering, but are not sure in what capacity, we can help you learn about the many options. No matter what your gift, talent or skill…no matter what your age, we need you, our staff needs you, and our patients need you too.
Volunteers are a major element of hospice care. Hospice began as a volunteer movement in England in the 1970s. Our own agency began with the dedication and compassion of a corps of volunteers, and through our volunteers we are able to enhance the care of our patients and families today.
Volunteer Opportunities
Patient and Family Care Volunteers
Provide support for hospice patients and their families throughout Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois’ seven-county service area. Patient and family care volunteers are trained to visit with patients on a routine or occasional basis at their home or senior living communities. Volunteers provide companionship, emotional support, respite for caregivers, and above all, offer a presence, an ear to listen to stories and an understanding smile.
Vigil Volunteers
Volunteers sit vigil with patients who may not have family or friends present. We are committed to making sure our patients are not alone during their final hours.
Inpatient Unit Volunteers
While working in our inpatient units in Barrington or Woodstock, volunteers support families, patients and staff in an acute-care, fast-paced environment.
Pet Therapy Volunteers
Sometimes the most appreciated visit is the unconditional support provided by a four-legged friend. Certified therapy dogs and their owners visit patients in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, group homes and inpatient units on regular or as-needed basis.
Administrative Volunteers
Help with our administrative staff in the office or in the community to provide:
- project support in an office setting
- presentations to organizations about hospice
- assistance with grief support services
Organizational volunteers can provide assistance throughout the agency. All ages, skill sets and commitment levels are appreciated. Computer, clinical, communications and finance skills are welcome.
Youth Volunteers
Teen-age volunteers, including Honor Society students, have always been a big help to staff in the office, as well as at special events. Flexible hours are accepted. We also welcome ideas for service projects.
Special Event Volunteers
Assist Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois members with planning and staffing fundraising events.
Grief Support Volunteers
Support families dealing with loss at Camp Courage summertime day camp, Remember U grief support program for children and teens, and at our periodic memorial services.
For more information about becoming a hospice volunteer, please fill out the online application or contact Janice Farrell, Volunteer Coordinator, 224-770-2477.
Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois is a member of the Volunteer Center of McHenry County and the Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago.
