Volunteers are the heart of our hospice program. Hospice care places extraordinary value on the selfless sharing of time, energy, and compassion by individuals for others at their most vulnerable time of life. As a hospice uniquely knowledgeable in Jewish traditions, we are pleased to offer this opportunity for volunteers of all faiths to perform the mitzvah (Jewish religious commandment) of bikkur holim (visiting the sick).
Learn More about Being a Hospice Volunteer
We are here to guide you through the application process as well as the meaningful work ahead. Please note that we are not currently accepting applications. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please call Lesley Orlinsky at 781-234-9186.
Direct Patient Involvement
Volunteers provide company and social interaction to patients and family caregivers. You may sit quietly with a patient who is resting, or engage in conversation, read aloud, write a letter, reminisce, or play an instrument. A volunteer’s presence may provide much needed respite for the caregiver to take care of themselves, their home, and other members of their family. You might have the occasion to prepare a light meal, provide transportation, or take care of some basic shopping.
Administrative Support
Our busy hospice care office would love your help with administrative tasks, such as filing, answering phones, mailings, or preparing for an event.
Alternative Therapies
Are you trained as a massage, music, or pet therapist, Reiki practitioner, or aromatherapist? Gain satisfaction using your skills with our patients and families.
Special Skills
Like to scrapbook? Are you a licensed hairdresser? Do you play an instrument or practice yoga? We invite you to use your special talents to enhance our patients’ lives.
Our program requires participation in a 20-hour training program. This training will qualify you to competently provide services following the standards of Medicare and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, as well as provide training on the wide range of Jewish perspectives and practices around end of life. The group training meets weekly for a seven-week period.
Volunteers are asked to provide a minimum of two to four hours, spread over one or two visits, each week. Timing of the visits is flexible and is determined by the mutual needs of the patient, family, and the volunteer’s personal schedule. You must be willing to drive to visit patients in local communities. Documentation of visits is required of all volunteers.
Our volunteer services manager works to not only recruit, train, and assign our volunteers but also to support each of them throughout their work. Hebrew SeniorLife also provides opportunities for continuing education and monthly volunteer gatherings to support you in this important work. As a valued member of the hospice team, you work alongside nurses, social workers, complementary therapists, and our chaplain.
Please note that we are not currently accepting applications. If you would like to be added to the wait list, please call Lesley Orlinsky at 781-234-9186.
In addition to the training program, requirements include a written application, an interview, reference checks, and medical/CORI clearance. To begin this process, you can fill out an application here. Please call us at 781-234-9186 with any questions about our program.
