Volunteer, Change a Life Maybe Even Your Own
Call our Volunteer Services
department at (352) 873-7441 to
learn more about volunteering with Hospice of Marion County.
Hospice of Marion County makes a difference in the lives of our patients and families every day. Their gifts are shared throughout the organization including in our Hospice Houses, patient homes, Thrift Stores, administrative offices and so much more.
There are many ways to get involved for adults, teens and pets. Volunteers receive training, support and opportunities for learning new skills and different roles.
Volunteer roles include:
Patient Visits
Provide companionship and support for patients and families in their private homes or care facilities. Visits may include holding a hand, lending a listening ear, playing a game, reading a book out loud, etc.
Hospice Houses
Hospice of Marion County offers three full-service inpatient units throughout the county. Our volunteers support patients and families and staff in a variety of ways including greeting guests, visiting patients and families, helping kitchen staff, answering and directing phone calls, honoring veterans, pet and music visits. Vigil volunteers sit at patient bedsides in their final hours when they have no family or friends to be with them. These volunteers receive special training.
Transitions
Volunteers provide vital linkages to caregivers who need a break for running errands and a friendly face to help cheer up patients and families on a difficult day. This program is popular and the need for these volunteers is great. Just a few hours a week commitment makes an immense impact.
Veteran Volunteers
Veterans often share a special bond. Visits and recognition from a brother or sister veteran can bring honor and comfort. Vet to Vet volunteers provide companion visits for camaraderie and honor through recognition ceremonies. We also provide veteran cafes and participate in multiple veteran community events.
Pet Visitors
Pet visitor volunteers bring their furry companions to visit patients and families. Pets must be certified with Project PUP or Therapy Dogs International. We also accept certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Spiritual Care
Specially trained and screened volunteers assist staff chaplains, provide comfort through prayers offered, sharing religious reading materials of the patient’s choice and offer the gift of presence.
Life Story
Volunteers help patients record special memories to be used in the creation of a keepsake booklet. They spend time with patients walking them through the process.
Thrift Stores
Volunteers help in a variety of ways at our four Thrift Stores including sorting donations, making displays, ringing up sales and assisting customers on the sales floor.
Mail and Pharmacy Couriers
Mail Couriers pick up and deliver mail to our facilities; vehicle and gas is provided.
Pharmacy Couriers deliver medications to patients homes; vehicle and gas provided.
Music
Music volunteers play and sing for patients in their rooms and in our lobbies. Those who can sing, play a musical instrument or lead meditation and guided imagery will enjoy this area of volunteering.
End of Life Doulas
They provide emotional and physical support, education, and preparation for end of life. They also offer comfort and guidance to the patient and family.
Volun-Teens
High school teens age 16 and older have a variety of opportunities to volunteer including in the Thrift Stores and greeting visitors at Hospice Houses. There is a commitment of one 3-to-4-hour shift per week in the summer and two shifts per month during the school year for a total of 100 hours.
Get started on your volunteer journey with Hospice of Marion County today!
- Download and complete a Volunteer Application. Call us at (352) 873-7441 to request one by mail.
- Call (352) 873-7441 to schedule a personal interview in Ocala or Summerfield.
Requirements
- All prospective Hospice of Marion County volunteers must complete necessary paperwork at the interview including giving permission to conduct a background screening and providing references.
- Attend a day of volunteer training that includes learning about our organization, volunteer roles and expectations and more.
- Volunteers wishing to work with patients and families must agree to fingerprinting and a TB test as well as attend an additional day of training focused on patient support.
Please note these requirements are in place to help us protect those we serve, staff and other volunteers. Training opportunities to increase your knowledge base or volunteer interests will be available throughout the year.
Teen Volunteers
High school teens age 16 and older have a variety of opportunities to volunteer including in the Thrift Stores, providing kitchen assistance and greeting visitors at Hospice Houses. There is a commitment of one 3-to-4-hour shifts per week in the summer and 2 shifts per month during the school year for a total of 100 hours.
Please fill-out the teen volunteer application to get the process started.