Hospice Volunteers

Hoffmann Volunteers

What is a hospice volunteer?

Compassionate, skilled volunteers are the heart and soul of Hoffmann Hospice. Hospice volunteers are committed to the hospice philosophy of care and service. They have a respect and reverence for life and consider it a privilege to serve the seriously and terminally ill patients and their families.

Hoffmann is looking for volunteers of all ages, from diverse social and professional backgrounds throughout Kern County. A hospice volunteer can be as young as 16, but must be at least 18 to work directly with our patients. Hoffmann volunteers are valued members of our hospice team and may choose when and how they wish to volunteer.

Research has shown that hospice volunteers report an increased level of personal and emotional satisfaction when helping families.

Become a Hoffmann Hospice Volunteer

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In-home volunteers assist patients and families in their home, in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Hours are flexible according to the needs of the patient and family. You do not need to have a medical background to participate. Duties provided by direct service volunteers may include:

  • Companionship
  • Caregiver relief
  • Transportation
  • Light housekeeping or yard work
  • Running errands
  • Sharing your own special talents – music, massage, poetry, reading, etc.
  • Bereavement (home visits, phone calls or letter writing)

Volunteers also participates in our Celebrations Program which includes patient birthdays, wedding anniversaries and the fulfillment of Bucket List wishes.

Professional volunteers are direct volunteers, such as massage therapists, manicurists and hairdressers may volunteer their special skills with proof of license or certification. They provide services to our patients in their area of expertise.

According to the We Honor Veterans program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 1 in 4 dying Americans is a veteran. Veteran to Veteran volunteers visit our veteran patients and share in the commradery. Veteran volunteers support Hoffmann Hospice in meeting  the unique needs of veterans and their families during their time of need. 

Hoffmann Hospice has developed a one-of-a-kind animal assisted therapy program for volunteers and their dogs to help reduce patient anxiety and provide great comfort. You and your dog can provide companionship, and bring great joy to hospice patients during the final season of their lives.  We accept any and all Pet Therapy Certifications.

The Buddy Brigade is a team of volunteers who visit the siblings of children who are receiving hospice care under our Starlight Pediatric Program. The siblings of sick children can get lost in the shuffle as parents are learning to care for a sick child. The members of the Buddy Brigade will usually visit at the same time that the nursing team is visiting the child and family. They will  give support to the siblings by playing games, watching movies, doing outdoor activities and helping with homework.

Join us in helping our patients celebrate the special moments in their lives. Our patients enjoy celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, Bucket Lists and special dinners.

The Bakersfield Threshold Choir sings at the bedside to provide comfort for those who are facing death, grief or suffering. A family member or loved one may request a small group of singers to offer songs of kindness at the bedside. As part of Hoffmann Hospice’s association with Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, our patients can make a request for the Bakersfield Threshold Choir by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer opportunities at the Hospice Home will include receptionist duties, patient care services, handling the Hospice Home dog Maggie and baking.

Administrative Support Volunteers assist clerical and administrative staff in the office on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Duties may include:

  • Data entry
  • Filing
  • Clerical tasks
  • Maintenance of medical records
  • The assembly of community information packets
  • The assembly of bereavement workbooks

Special event volunteers help with programs and fundraising events like Voices of Inspiration and Light up a Life.

Do you have special skills and a willing spirit? Hospice volunteers play a vital role at Hoffmann Hospice and we encourage you to contact us about joining our team of professionals.

Volunteer applicants must be:

  • Mentally Healthy
  • Physically Healthy
  • Compassionate
  • Emotionally mature
  • Good communicators
  • Possess a servant’s heart
  • Be comfortable talking about death and dying

Please contact us if you have any questions about volunteering.

Volunteer Training and Continuing Education

Upon acceptance into the Volunteer Program, volunteers will receive educational courses consisting of both group training and independant study with topics including:

  • Introduction to hospice philosophy
  • Care and comfort measures
  • Psychological and spiritual dynamics of dying
  • Understanding the bereavement process

Hoffmann also provides ongoing educational opportunities for its volunteers. Prospective volunteers are required to submit an application for registration and complete an interview process. Hoffmann Hospice Volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one year of service, unless there are unusual circumstances.