The staff of Shwartz Hospice cares as much about my emotional and spiritual well-being as they do my physical needs.

-Sylvia P.

Volunteering with the Dr. Matthew S. Shwartz Hospice

About
Volunteer Characteristics
FAQ
Engagement

Volunteering with Hospice:

Want to make a difference? Have gifts to share? Seeking new avenues for personal growth? Consider becoming a hospice volunteer!

Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients at the end of life and their families. The goal of hospice is to improve the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity and making their “journey” a little easier.

Volunteers make weekly visits to patients at their place of residence, during which they offer invaluable companionship and meaningful engagement.

Compassionate individuals may apply to become volunteers for Dr. Matthew S. Shwartz Hospice and Palliative Care in Chelsea, where they will provide companionship and assistance to patients, and respite for caregivers.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email David Dismas at ddismas@shwartzhospice.org or call 617-889-0779 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.

Training for volunteers is provided. A routine CORI check, TB test, medical screening, and reference checks are required. Transportation is also required.

Please be aware that we strongly discourage individuals from volunteering if they have lost a loved one within the past year. Back to Top

Important Characteristics for Hospice Volunteers:

Commitment to hospice philosophy
A desire to help and time to give
Compassion and empathy
A sense of humor
A reverence for life
A respect for differences and diversity
A non-judgmental attitude
Ability to listen, to relate, and to bond quickly
Commitment to learning and growing
Comfort working with the elderly/terminally ill; comfort working in a nursing home/assisted living environment
Ability to take the initiative
Willingness to ask for help and accept direction
Creativity
Reliability, consistency, and commitment

FAQ:

Who volunteers with hospice?

Our volunteers include men and women of all ages (over 18), backgrounds, and interests. Some are not working or retired, some are working full-time or part-time, and some are attending school. While our volunteers are varied, they all have the desire to give of their time and talents to support those who are terminally-ill and their loved ones.

What is required to become a volunteer?
Individuals desiring to become volunteers must demonstrate a commitment to the hospice philosophy of care, as well as a willingness to make at least a 1 year commitment to volunteering. Before beginning your volunteer work, you will also need to undergo a routine CORI check, have a TB test, provide a complete and up-to-date immunization record, and provide references, which will be verified by the Volunteer Coordinator. Additionally, you must complete an all-day training and an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator. After transitioning into your role as a volunteer, you will be expected to attend 2-hour, in-service meetings each quarter (every 3 months). Please note that our agency reserves the right to deny entry into the volunteer program. Possible reasons for denial include, but are not limited to:

A significant loss or bereavement in the past year
Personal goals that are not compatible with the goals and philosophy of hospice
Lack of professionalism
A person experiencing a great deal of physical or emotional stress

What does volunteer training include?
Our volunteer training provides information on: understanding death, dying, spirituality, grief, and loss issues; the history and philosophy of hospice; pain and symptom management of the terminally ill person; the psychological and social issues families and loved ones deal with in the care of the dying patient; self care; health, safety, confidentiality, and ethical standards for hospice workers; and relevant organizational policies and procedures.

How many patients will I be assigned?
The number of patients assigned varies with each volunteer’s interests and availability, as well as the needs of our patients at a given time. Some volunteers see only one patient, while others see several. The one-on-one interview with the Volunteer Coordinator, along with ongoing conversations, will, in part, serve to determine how small or large you would like your patient load to be.

Where will I visit my patients?
Our patients are found in private homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes in Chelsea and nearby communities. Visits will occur at their place of residence.

How much time will I be required to devote to volunteering activities each week?
We expect our volunteers to commit to spending at least an hour a week with each patient assigned to them. We also ask our volunteers to commit to their work for at least 1 year. Reliability and dependability in keeping these commitments are very, very important. Remember, at the end of life especially, every day is important!

How will I be supervised?
Each volunteer’s activity with patients and families is monitored and supervised via documentation (ie: Volunteer Notes) they must submit within 2-3 days of any patient/family contacts and regular phone and email contact with the Volunteer Coordinator (and other members of the Inter-Disciplinary Group (IDG) as needed). In addition, volunteers are expected to attend quarterly in-service trainings. Supervision is ongoing.

If there are ever any concerns, what do I do?
If there is ever a problem or concern, always contact the Volunteer Coordinator, who, from there, will keep you up-to-speed on the progress in addressing the concern. The Volunteer Coordinator is there not just for the patients, but for you, too!

What happens when my patient passes away?
When a patient passes away and circumstances allow, you may continue in a bereavement capacity, working to support loved ones left behind. You will also work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to determine a new, appropriate patient match, if you so desire.

Is there a dress code?
While hospice volunteers do not wear a uniform, they are expected to wear clothing suitable to their assignments. Volunteers are required to wear ID badges at all times, and to avoid tight, low-cut, sloppy, or provocative dress. Because patients and family members gain many of their impressions of hospice from contact with employees and volunteers, it is important that these caregivers be courteous and efficient, and also contribute positively to the organization’s image through proper dress, personal grooming, and personal conduct. For safety reasons, volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes and avoid dangling jewelry. Heavy scents are also discouraged, as they can cause discomfort or allergic reactions to others, including patients.

Do I need to have to be Jewish to work for your hospice?
While our hospice is grounded in the Jewish tradition, we serve individuals and families of all faith and non-faith backgrounds. Similarly, our volunteers come from equally diverse faith and non-faith backgrounds.

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Ideas for meaningful engagement with patients: