In her own words – Lacey, Volunteer Coordinator

We asked Lacey what it means to be a Volunteer Coordinator in hospice care. This is what she shared.

Tell us what a Volunteer Coordinator does within a hospice company.

A Volunteer Coordinator gets to facilitate some of the “extra” things that mean so much at the end of life. I have the privilege of getting to match volunteers with patients who need some extra TLC. Maybe they don’t have family, or their family doesn’t live close. I get to help set them up with a volunteer who can provide companionship and emotional support! My volunteers make visits and phone calls, and they send cards and mailings for special occasions and encouragement. They also sit with patients and listen to music, sing, or say a prayer with them. They help with running errands or light household tasks. In my opinion, one of the most powerful things our volunteers do is make “imminent baskets” for the patient’s family and deliver them during the patient’s last days.

Please share a memorable experience you've had while working with volunteers in hospice care.

I have had the privilege of being a Volunteer Coordinator for almost two years, and while that seems like a short time, it feels like I have been doing this my whole life. I know that God placed me here to help our patients with the big and small stuff. I have had many memorable times with my volunteers. A few impactful moments include being able to help a patient’s family get groceries when they were unable to afford them, celebrating a 100th birthday, and seeing a patient’s room decorated with all of the mailings the volunteers had been sending.

If someone were looking for an opportunity to volunteer their time, why should they spend it volunteering for a hospice agency?

What is more rewarding than being able to make someone’s last days and memories on earth that much more special. In my opinion, nothing. Nothing compares to knowing someone passed from this earth happy, with everything they needed, because of the services we provide.

What qualities do you look for in a volunteer?

A good heart. A willingness to help others. Spare time and a desire to use it for the good of others.

If you have questions about hospice care, please contact us at 888-436-8482. Interested in joining our incredible team? Visit https://careers.gentivahs.com. Or if you feel called to volunteer your time to deserving patients and families, tell us about yourself at https://www.gentivahs.com/careers/volunteers.