Volunteer Hospice

Highline Medical Center/Specialty Campus
(206) 439-9095

Why Volunteer with Highline Hospice?

At Highline Hospice, we work as a team, and our volunteers are a valuable and integral part of our team. Our patient care and bereavement volunteers provide nonmedical care and comfort for our terminally ill patients and their families, and our office volunteers help keep us running smoothly.

Highline Hospice is part of Highline's Home Health and Hospice department. Our goal is to help patients and their families manage physical symptoms and to provide supportive services that recognize the physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of living with a terminal illness. Our emphasis is on quality of remaining life and respect for individual preferences and belief systems.

Hospice provides care wherever a patient lives, whether a private home, an adult facility home, a retirement or assisted-living community or a skilled nursing facility.

Hospice Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers can provide help in three different ways:

Patient Care — A volunteer may spend one to four hours per week with a patient and family, providing support to all members, companionship to the patient and relief to the caregivers. This support can include holding a hand, listening, reading, helping record life stories and assisting in small tasks that provide comfort to the patient.

Bereavement — A volunteer may provide ongoing emotional support to a family member after a loved one has died, either by phone or in person. With additional training, some bereavement volunteers may also assist in facilitating support groups.

Office Support — A volunteer may provide assistance in the Home Health and Hospice office by performing a variety of clerical tasks. Computer skills are not required.

How Do I Know if Volunteering for Hospice Is Right for Me?

If you are over 18 years of age and you have a heart for being with others through difficult times, volunteering with Highline Hospice may be right for you.

What Training and Commitment Are Required?

Training is provided free of charge. All patient care and bereavement volunteers receive an initial 28 to 30 hours of training, and bereavement volunteers undergo an additional six to nine hours. Office volunteers receive safety training and an office orientation.

For a training schedule, contact Michele Fawcett-Long, Volunteer Coordinator, at (206) 439-9095 or mfawcett-long@highlinemedical.org.

After you complete training, we ask for a commitment of up to four hours per week for one year. We also offer monthly education and peer support meetings to discuss the issues faced and rewards encountered while serving as a volunteer.

How Do I Become a Hospice Volunteer?

• Contact Michele Fawcett-Long, Volunteer Coordinator, at (206) 439-9095 or mfawcett-long@highlinemedical.org for more information and to obtain an application.
• Complete the application and background check.
• Interview with the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Complete the training class.
• Obtain a two-step TB test (available to volunteers through Highline Employee Health).