Lourdes Hospital

When you see someone in distress, your first impulse is to help. When you know people are in need, you want to do something. The challenge is to change desire, into action. The answer is: VOLUNTEER.

What do Volunteers do?
Volunteers choose assignments that best suit their time, skills, and interests.

• Patient/Family Support
• Bereavement Support
• Office Assistance

We are interested in investigating ways to utilize your special skills or talents.

Do I need special skills or education?
Volunteer work at Hospice is one of the best jobs anyone can do. It is not about where you live, how old you are, your educational background or what you have or don't have. We provide the training you need; you provide yourself and your time. Persons interested in volunteering must wait at least a full year after a significant loss in order to focus on their own healing.

Do Volunteers find the work depressing?
It is not depressing, although sometimes sad. Hospice volunteers have jobs that are full of joy and laughter, hope and sharing. It is work that is deeply meaningful because our gift of presence is the greatest gift we can give to another.

What type of training is available?
A comprehensive training and personal enrichment course is offered for all volunteers. A thirty hour course must be completed and will provide you with the necessary understanding and skills. The training course includes the following subjects:

• An overview of Hospice philosophy and a brief history of Hospice
• The volunteer's role at Hospice, confidentiality and volunteer requirements
• The team concept and holistic approach to care
• The emotional, spiritual, and cultural issues relating to death and dying
• Effective listening and communication skills
• How to care for yourselves while caring for others
• Coping with grief and bereavement
• And more...

Training's are offered in the Spring and Fall and occasionally on weekends.

Apply to be a Hospice Volunteer

All applicants will need to complete an Hospice Volunteer Application with reference information.

Click the button below to complete the form online. 

Hospice Volunteer Application

If require a printed application, please contact our office. Completed paper applications should be mailed to:

Lourdes Hospice
Attn: Volunteer Coordinator
4102 Old Vestal Road
Vestal, NY 13850

For more information about the Hospice Volunteer program contact Bettye Canestaro, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 607-584-9159.

Hospice Volunteer Resources

• Lourdes Hospice Weekly Volunteer Service Log