Organization's MISSION and SERVICES in the community:
Blue Ridge Hospice is a non-profit health care organization which provides physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for terminally ill patients and their families.
All care given by Blue Ridge Hospice is under professional medical supervision given to allow the dying person to live as pain-free and comfortable as possible. In most cases, care is provided in the patient's home, however, Hopsice care is also available to residents in nursing homes, hospitals and in the Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center.
VOLUNTEER Opportunities:
Patient/Family Support
Patient/Family Support Volunteers provide one-on-one emotional support and companionship to our patients and their families. Friendly visits, life review, respite care and assistance with errands are just a few of the many ways in which volunteers brighten the lives of our patients.
Patient Care
In addition to providing emotional support and companionship to our Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center residents, Patient Care Volunteers work side-by-side with our nursing staff to provide assistance with the hands-on care of our patients.
Music Companionship
Music Volunteers work closely with Blue Ridge Hospice Music Therapists to provide comfort, companionship, and entertainment for our patients through the use of music. No formal music training is required.
Bereavement Support
Bereavement Support Volunteers work with Blue Ridge Hospice Bereavement Counselors and provide support to family members throughout the grief process. Support is offered through caring phone calls and visits.
Vigil-Eleventh Hour
Vigil Volunteers provide a caring presence to patients in the last hours of life. Vigil volunteers should be utilized for those patients who have no family members present or in cases where family members need additional support during the last moments of their loved ones lives. Vigil volunteers are "on call." Many are available during the night and on weekends and holidays.
Pet Therapy
Pet Therapy Volunteers provide companionship to patients and family members through scheduled pet visits. Pets participating in the Pet Therapy Volunteer Program must meet specific criteria prior to their first visit.
Pampering/Hairsytlists
Hairstylists will visit patients in their homes or in the residential center and provide haircutting and styling services. If desired, patients may also receive manicures (no nail cutting) and hand massages while having their hair cut.
Cooks
Volunteers prepare home cooked meals for the patients and visiting family members in the residential center. The smells, sounds and taste of a meal being prepared by caring individuals adds to the already home-like atmosphere of the center.
Administrative Support
Administrative Support Volunteer assist in the Reception, Medical Records, Marketing, and Volunteer Departments manning the switchboard, filing, copying, data entry, charting, and other similiar activities.
Events/Fundraising
Event/Fundraising Volunteers assist Blue Ridge Hospice Staff by helping with events, distributing information and community education. This is a great way for those with busy schedules to donate their talents to Hospice and maintain a flexible volunteer schedule.
Civic Group Opportunities
Civic groups, school groups, individuals and organizations may volunteer their time to provide an activity, presentation or performance for residents in the Residential Center. Volunteers can bake holiday cookies for residents, sing with them, assist with crafts, or any number of activities. Volunteers may also be asked to represent Blue Ridge Hospice at designated community events, and participate in fundraising activities throughout the year.
Thrift Shops
Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shops are located in Winchester, Purcellville, Stephens City, Berryville and Front Royal, VA. Thrift Shop Volunteers assist with receiving, sorting, tagging, and displaying donated items as well as assisting customers.
Teen Volunteer Program
The Blue Ridge Hospice Teen Volunteer Program offers area teens the opportunity to volunteer in many different areas of hospice care. Teen Volunteers may volunteer in many of the above capacities. Assignments are made based upon age appropriateness and the interests of the teen. Teens volunteering with patients will be assigend a "Volunteer Mentor", when appropriate. Communication between the volunteer, volunteer families and Blue Ridge Hospice staff is an essential element of the program.
Availability will vary with desired position.
Must have means of transportation.