Become a Patient Support Volunteer
Thank you for considering the meaningful step of helping patients and families in your community.
Being a patient support volunteer is a special commitment—one that brings comfort, presence, and compassion to those at the end of life. Before you apply, please take a moment to reflect on whether this opportunity is the right fit for you.
Is This Role Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable being present with death and dying?
- Can I listen without needing to give advice or steer the conversation?
- Am I flexible and adaptable?
- Do I have a sense of humor?
- Am I open to training, supervision, and fully committed to the mission of Hospicare?
What We Ask of Our Volunteers
Before working with patients and families, volunteers must meet these key requirements:
- Complete a mandatory 25-hour training
- Commit 2–4 hours per week for at least one year
- Be reliable, punctual, and professional in all assignments
- Participate in an annual review
- Pass a background check
- Follow Hospicare’s policies and procedures
- Maintain healthy emotional boundaries
- Have at least one year of personal healing since the loss of a significant loved one
If you are interested in volunteering and participating in a training, please fill out the volunteer application or contact the Manager of Volunteer Services, Wendy Yettru, at 607-272-0212.
How to Get Started
We aim to make your onboarding smooth, meaningful, and well-supported. Here’s what the process looks like:
- Step One: Apply
Fill out and submit a volunteer application form. You can find the form here. volunteer application form
- Step Two: Interview
Our Manager of Volunteer Services will connect with you to learn more about your skills, interests, and motivations. Together, we’ll explore where you can make the biggest difference—both for the patients and families we serve and for your own sense of fulfillment.
- Step Three: Orientation & Training
All volunteers complete a mandatory 20-hour core training course (note: this originally said 25 hours in some spots; adjust to match your current policy).
We’ll also walk you through any necessary paperwork and health requirements.
Training sessions are offered several times each year, and additional role-specific training may follow.
By joining our volunteer community, you become part of a team dedicated to walking alongside individuals and families during life’s most profound moments. We are grateful you’re considering this meaningful work.