Client Volunteers
Heart House Hospice offers many rewarding volunteering opportunities. All volunteers
are screened and placed according to their interest. Client-volunteers such as in-home,
day program, transportation, and spiritual care are required to pass the screening
process and 30 hrs training before they become volunteers.
Direct service in home volunteer role:
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provide emotional and practical support to the client and family members
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relieve the family care-givers for short periods (respite)
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listen without judging or interpreting
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provide companionship
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share quiet time
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assist with practical tasks and errands
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assist the client with light meal preparation
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accompany the client on short outings
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help with special projects (i.e. life review, correspondence, future planning)
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read, socialize or play games
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can facilitate communication between the clients, the family and other care provider
Other volunteer opportunities such as special events, committee’s and board will
be assigned related duties as required by departments.
Direct Service In-Home Volunteer Training
Client Volunteers Training begins with an informal talk with a staff member about
Hospice, our goals and your questions. This is followed by 10 three-hour sessions.
Sessions include the following:
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History and philosophy of Hospice care
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Communication and listening skills development
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Pain Management
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Complimentary Therapies
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Fears & Concerns & Enabling Hope
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Grief and Loss
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Personal Safety and duty to exercise precautions
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Emotional & Spiritual Issues
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Cultural Sensitivities/Diversity Awareness
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Practical skills, i.e. transfers, comfort aids, feeding
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Information about making funeral arrangements.
Training programs are offered throughout the year. Training takes place at the Hospice
office in Mississauga. All positions such as in-home visiting, day program and transportation
volunteers will be required to complete the training