Did you know that Medicare requires hospice programs to include volunteers as part of patient care? This is known as the “5% rule.” Simply put, at least 5% of all patient care hours must be provided by trained hospice volunteers. Volunteers are not an extra, they are an essential part of hospice care.
At VNA Hospice, volunteers:
- Provide companionship to patients
- Offer respite so caregivers can rest
- Sit vigil during a patient’s final hours
- Bring certified pet therapy visits
- Conduct Veteran Pinning Ceremonies
- Make Memory Pillows through the Mending Hearts Program
- Support Hospice House programming through flower arrangements, kitchen assistance, entertainment, and more.
- The VNA of the Treasure Coast currently have just over 200 volunteers enrolled in its Volunteer Program. Last year these dedicated individuals provided over 20,000 hours of their time and service. Their selfless dedication is crucial to
our “why” – Collaborating as a team to provide excellent care to patients and families – with integrity, compassion, knowledge, and love – so that patients experience optimal quality of life at all times.
VNA volunteers serve in our offices, the Hidden Treasures Thrift Store and most importantly, comfort our hospice patients and families. They extend the hands and hearts of our clinical team, ensuring that no one faces serious illness or end of life alone. They offer comfort, support, friendship, companionship, stability, and empathy for our patients and their families.
Currently, we have a great need for patient visit volunteers. Patient visit volunteers provide emotional and spiritual support in homes as well as in area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at the VNA Hospice House. They offer respite care, help run errands, or socialize with patients and families. Training is provided and no special skills are needed – other than a caring heart.
In addition to providing support in a patient’s home or at the VNA Hospice House, there are many opportunities to give back, meet new friends – and do something good – for yourself and others. We invite you to learn more, share this with others, and consider joining our volunteer team. Visit vnatc.com/volunteers or call Jenna Manfredi at 772-864-1282 for more information.
