The benefits of beneficence: Rewards of hospice volunteering

Abstract

Hospice volunteering can provide many benefits to the volunteer as well as to the hospice program. Identification of these benefits, which may be characterized as being of the body, mind, and spirit, is helpful in the recruitment of new volunteers as well as in the retention of current ones. It is important for hospice programs to find ways to assist volunteers to attain these rewards.

Hospice palliative care volunteers: The benefits for patients, family caregivers, and the volunteers

“…As Arnup (2011) notes, volunteering in hospice palliative care changes volunteers: "more open, less judgmental, they [the volunteers] have learned the importance of living in the present moment, by sitting at the bedside of people who are dying" (p. 12). Highlighting the rewards of volunteering in hospice palliative care may be a powerful tool when it comes to recruiting new volunteers and keeping existing ones on board (Korda, 1995 Using the services of a hospice palliative care volunteer and being a hospice palliative care volunteer is a win -win situation. The rewards go both wayscaring for people at the end of their lives is immensely rewarding (a great gift for volunteers), and volunteers can help family caregivers better cope with their loved one's illness and lessen the demands of caregiving (a great gift for patients and family caregivers).…”

“…Volunteering in hospice palliative care can be a transformative experience as volunteers come to realize the “gift” they have been blessed with by being able to accompany or “journey” with patients at the end of their lives. These gifts come in many forms, including meaningful conversations and lessons learned as patients open up to them and share life stories, discuss religious topics, and talk about death and what comes next (Planalp et al, 2011), personal growth (Andersson & Ohlen, 2005; Arnup, 2011; Guirguis-Younger & Grafanaki, 2008), gaining valuable life skills (e.g., Letizia et al, 2000), using the skills they (the volunteers) already have (Arnup, 2011), having the privilege of making a difference or positive contribution in the lives of others (Arnup, 2011; Phillips et al, 2013), enhanced self-esteem (Korda, 1995), high levels of personal pride (Jack et al, 2012), forming deep, personal connections with patients and their families (Guirguis-Younger & Grafanaki, 2007), appreciating their own lives more (Arnup, 2011; Guirguis-Younger & Grafanaki, 2007), accepting death as an inevitable part of life and planning for their own death (Wittenberg-Lyles, 2006), and being able to educate others (friends, family members) about death and dying based on their volunteer experiences (Wittenberg-Lyles, 2006). It is no wonder that volunteers often say they get more out of their volunteer experiences than they give.…”

Motivations that Sustain the Work of Volunteers in Community Based Palliative Care: A Qualitative Exploration

“…Spiritual meaning of life is better explored through volunteerism and working for the community. (Korda, 2016) As explored through this study, many people believe that few phenomena can be explained only through spiritual principles. (Hill, Pargament, & Hood, 2000) Belief in blessings from a higher power is one of the premier motivating factors for people to volunteer.…”

Improving Cultural Competency Among Hospice and Palliative Care Volunteers

“…Hospices must make sure their volunteers feel appreciated and supported or they will risk losing them. 9 –12…”