A Year Without Hospice Volunteers Makes Us Appreciate Them Even More

Hospice volunteer Virginia Newby prepares roses for delivery

We’re thankful for their enthusiasm, care, dedication and warm presence. We’re grateful to the musicians, companion animals and handlers, singers, LMTs, Vigil Companions, mentors and individuals who share their time and heart with the hospice community.

While the world went on hold, they adapted. To continue serving, hospice volunteers:

• Delivered flowers from their gardens to share with patients and families;

• Prepared for and participated in online Memorial events;

• Provided phone companionship to patients and families;

• Made no-contact grocery deliveries;

• Became Zoom Masters, attending in-services online;

• Arranged and delivered roses while social distancing and masked; and

• Hosted online grief support meetings.

They cared. During the pandemic, hospice volunteers:

• Checked on their neighbors and fellow volunteers;

• Served in food pantries and made meal deliveries;

• Explored ways to better serve hospice patients and families when they return;

• Engaged in self-care, nature and learning;

• Maintained contact to share hope and support with hospice families and staff; and

• Expressed determination to return to volunteering in-person as soon as safely possible.

To Cascade Health hospice volunteers, thank you for staying safe, remaining involved and so creatively delivering care. We look forward to fresh opportunities, community reunited and the privilege of your presence again soon.