Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice

Hospice became available in the Joliet area in 1982 through the combined efforts of St. Joseph Medical Center, Silver Cross Hospital and several community groups and individuals. Joliet Area Community Hospice became the first Hospice established in the community. In 1983 the first hospice volunteers received training and Joliet Area Community Hospice admitted its first patient. In 1984 a volunteer group was formed called the Hospice Guild. Joliet Area Community Hospice became a United Way member in 1985.

Gifts of Time and Support

Volunteering at Joliet Area Community Hospice and
ways to make a difference at Joliet Area Community Hospice

The gifts of time, energy, and talent received from volunteers are some of Joliet Area Community Hospice’s most valued resources.
Trained volunteers are integral members of our team – we could not provide the comprehensive, high quality end-of-life care without their contributions.

Joliet Area Community Hospice volunteers range from students to retirees, homemakers to professionals, individuals to service groups. They come from all areas of Will and Grundy Counties representing many different faiths and cultures. Although all have different reasons for volunteering, they have one thing in common – the desire to support terminally ill patients and their families during their end-of-life journey.

Numerous volunteer opportunities are available, ranging from direct patient and family care to a variety of organizational support duties. Assignments are scheduled on a weekday, weekend, and on-call basis.

Fulfillment and Appreciation

Whether you work directly with patients and family members or provide support behind the scenes, volunteering at Joliet Area Community Hospice can be very rewarding. As a Joliet Area Community Hospice volunteer, you’ll become a part of a highly dedicated and caring group of special people. More importantly – your contribution will make a considerable difference in the lives of others when they need support the most.

Patient and Family Support

In-home Volunteers serve patients and families living in their own home or other residential, assisted living, or long-term care facilities. In-home volunteers provide needed respite for caregivers and offer comfort and companionship to patients by sharing a story, reading out loud, or simply sitting bedside holding a hand and listening. They may also assist with the routines of daily living such as shopping, errands, and light housekeeping.

Inpatient Unit Volunteers are needed throughout the day and evening to provide companionship and a caring presence to patients at the Hospice Home. They also assist clinical care staff with a variety of duties such as delivering meals and beverages, feeding patients, and stocking supplies.

Bereavement Volunteers work with Joliet Area Community Hospice staff to help families and friends cope with emotions and changes that accompany loss by providing support and information. They also participate in puppet shows for children and grief workshops.

Organizational Opportunities

Greeters and Welcoming Volunteers receive and direct family members and friends visiting patients in the Hospice Home. They may also answer phones, sell meal tickets, monitor entrance to the facility, and otherwise help to provide a pleasant atmosphere for guests.

Fundraising and Special Events Volunteers help plan and execute a variety of community events and represent Joliet Area Community Hospice at expo’s and health fairs.

Outdoor Maintenance Volunteers enhance and beautify the Joliet Area Community Hospice Center grounds while working on gardening and general upkeep projects.

Training

All volunteers undergo training to prepare them for their chosen roles with the organization. Building on individual talents, experience, and interests, training helps volunteers gain knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish their assignments with confidence and competence.

Whether they work directly with patients or behind the scenes, all volunteers will learn the basics of the hospice philosophy and the history and structure of the organization.

Intensive two-day training sessions are held twice a year. Please call for the next training session.

Note: Joliet Area Community Hospice volunteer candidates must complete a screening process prior to becoming an active volunteer. To work directly with patients and family members, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and have a current TB record.

Please consider becoming a Joliet Area Community Hospice Volunteer. To learn more about available opportunities and our training schedule, please call (815) 740-4104.