Hospice Care

Volunteer Opportunities

Make a Difference and Become a Volunteer at Ascend Hospice

Ascend Hospice volunteers are loyal individuals who devote themselves to ensuring the mission of delivering compassionate, sensitive hospice care. Our dedicated volunteers provide companionship, holistic therapies and much more. Ascend Hospice also offers an End-of-Life Doula program, which extensively educates and mentors volunteers dedicated to assist the dying and their families, providing emotional and spiritual support and guidance in the final days of life.

As a hospice volunteer, you can take great pride in knowing you’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life. Ascend Hospice offers opportunities for volunteers ranging in age from teens to senior citizens. We always invite volunteers to fill our many openings or to participate in our special training programs below:

Companionship Volunteers

Patient care volunteers are a vital part of the hospice team, providing companionship to the patient and respite to the caregiver. Volunteers can help by making friendly visits, reading to patients, writing letters or running errands. One of the most important things the volunteer can offer is just being there to listen, share quiet moments of contemplation or offer a gentle touch when needed.

Bereavement Volunteers

Bereavement volunteers offer support to the families, friends and loved ones of our patients. During the grieving process, the bereavement volunteer serves as an invaluable resource to help honor the memory of the patient who has passed. This can be especially comforting for those who lack a solid support network.

Administrative Volunteers

Administrative volunteers provide help to the staff by assisting with typing; addressing cards; organizing newsletters, packets and manuals; and other varied clerical duties.

Holistic/Complementary Volunteers

Holistic therapies are offered to both patients and loved ones, as well as to Ascend staff for comfort, relaxation and personal growth. Many of our volunteers are trained in massage, Reiki, pet therapy and aromatherapy. Holistic/complementary volunteers also offer music and visualization for added growth and comfort.

Teen Volunteer Program

We welcome the opportunity to partner with schools in creating student volunteer programs. High school students can get involved in a number of activities, including companionship visits, office work and special projects. Training is provided, and many teen volunteers are able to use their hours towards community service requirements. Must be 16 years old to volunteer within the office and 18 years old to volunteer outside of office in the field.

Pet Peace of Mind

Volunteers are trained to provide assistance with general pet care services for patients unable to care for their pets while on hospice.



Vet to Vet Program

Ascend Hospice’s Vet to Vet program was made to help Veteran volunteers best support Veteran patients and their loved ones. The Veteran Volunteer Training is a highly specialized program that encompasses several issues and solutions that will be necessary for a Veteran Volunteer to understand when supporting a terminally ill Veteran.

Pet Therapy Program

Volunteers bring pets to interact with patients, as the positive effects of experiences with pets can be extremely beneficial to health and happiness.

End of Life Doulas

An Ascend of Life Doula is an intensively trained hospice volunteer who can provide non-medical holistic support and comfort to patients and loved ones, including education, guidance, emotional and spiritual care as they enter the final stages of life.