Become a Volunteer

The Hospice Northwest Palliave Care Training Program is held annually in the fall, with recruitment of new volunteers beginning in May. Applicants complete an application form and submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator along with two personal references and a current criminal record check. The applicant then meets with the Volunteer Coordinator for an introductory interview and upon acceptance into the program, will commence the training sessions.

While not everyone who completes the training will go on to become a Hospice Northwest volunteer, the training is a valuable life skill which can be utilized by individuals in all areas of their lives. The fee for the training course is $75.00, which will be reimbursed to those who continue on as Hospice Northwest volunteers.

Criteria for Volunteers

Volunteers are recruited and selected to meet the following criteria:

  • must maintain confidentiality
  • must be at least 18 years of age
  • must be willing to complete a criminal reference check
  • must provide 2 personal references
  • must be willing to complete the training program
  • must be able to commit a period of time to hospice volunteering (eg. 3 hours per week for at least one year) following completion of training
  • must be available to meet with Hospice Northwest staff on an ongoing basis for support, supervision and education purposes
  • must meet the qualities of palliative care volunteers: a compassionate 'people person' who is non-judgemental, accepting, self-confident and sensitive to others' needs

Volunteer Assets

  • valid driver's license, insurance coverage and access to a vehicle
  • the ability to speak more than one language
  • willingness to visit the client in various locations, such as home, hospital or long term care facilities. Volunteers are asked their preference for location when commencing their volunteer work and every effort is made to respect that choice; however, volunteers are encouraged to journey with their clients if there is the necessity of a change in the client's residence.
Summary of Training Modules