Hospice of Michigan has a specific need for volunteers who can provide companionship to patients living at home or in facilities and provide a few hours relief for caregivers as well.
“We’re looking for folks to do something as simple as sit with a patient and hold their hand and just be a friendly presence, all the way up to things like having professionally licensed folks who can provide haircuts or massages.”
Volunteer Program Manager Lauren Becker-Barkman says volunteers don’t need any type of training or previous experience - whatever time and skills available is welcome, particularly in the Muskegon area where there are only 10-15 volunteers for 40 patients, and the number of patients is expected to grow.
“The more volunteers we have, the more things we can offer, the more we can say ‘yes’ to what patients need that a volunteer can provide.”
Becker-Barkman says what she hears most frequently from current volunteers is how much they get from the patients they help.
“That they feel like they’re getting more out of their visits than they’re giving. We know that’s not true but it’s a win-win.”
Volunteers can help with pets, play music for patients, help with cards or crafts.
“An hour a week or an hour every other week is a beautiful amount of time to share with us.”
All volunteers must be at least age 18 and are required to complete orientation, background checks and fingerprinting.
