Volunteers go into homes or home-like settings, such as assisted living facilities and/or nursing homes to offer services such as respite care, to give the caregiver a chance to rest, run errands or some time alone. Volunteers spend time with the patient, discussing topics of interest, taking walks outdoors, reading books, praying together, assisting with favorite hobbies or simply just being present. Volunteers can run errands for the caregiver or possibly assist with light tasks around the home as well.
Some families prefer to have a regularly scheduled time each week for a volunteer to provide respite or companionship. Others may use a volunteer intermittently on an as-needed basis.
All volunteers have completed a training program that is offered at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, typically held in May. Training videos are also available and can be viewed at home.
View Volunteer Brochure Here