Opportunities From: United Way of East Central Iowa

The Administrative Volunteer provides support to office personnel through clerical and administrative functions. An Administrative volunteer may assist with answering telephones, filing, making copies, data entry or helping to create admission packets. An Administrative Volunteer might help with compiling and mailing Bereavement letters, sympathy cards or the planning of the Annual Memorial Service.

Avalon Hospice is looking for direct care hospice volunteers that are looking to make a difference in the lives of others.  Avalon Hospice supports volunteers and appreciates the important role they play in hospice care.  We also prepare volunteers with specific training and takes no advanced medical training or great commitment. All hospice volunteers are given assigments that best suite their time, skills, and interests. The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families. All care provided by the Direct Care Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

Avalon Hospice is looking for a Veteran Hospice Volunteer that is willing to make a difference in the lives of other Veterans.  Veteran volunteers are a very valuable part of our care team and at Avalon Hospice we are developing a We Honor Veteran program which would have Veteran-to-Veteran volunteer programs.  The Veteran volunteer program would also make an effor to replace lost medals and awards and would provide emotional support and bereavement counseling. Avalon Hospice supports the volunteers and appreciates the important role they place in hospice care.  We prepare volunteers with specific training and it takes no advanced medical training or great commitment. Some volunteer opportunities include sharing a story, sending a card, listen/read/sing, making gifts for Veterans, run errands or perform light housekeeping for Veterans, administrative office support if needed, make phone calls, and attend community events.

Bereavement care is one of the services that make hospice services unique and aims to enhance the patient’s/family’s dignity and quality of life. Medicare regulations require every hospice to include an organized bereavement program that provides services for at least twelve (12) months after the patient’s death.  Kindred at Home and hospice affiliates provides bereavement support for thirteen (13) months after the patient has passed away. If a family member, friend or caregiver requires additional support beyond the thirteen months, our Bereavement Coordinators and team will work to provide the appropriate support and resources.  Bereavement volunteer is under the direct supervision of the bereavement coordinator (or designee).  The Bereavement Hospice volunteer can help with sending letters to bereaved and calling Bereaved as well. all assignments provided to the bereavement support volunteer must be pre-approved and assigned by the bereavement coordinator (or designee). 

The Vigil Volunteer offers companionship, comfort and presence to patients during the time immediately prior to their death. Support can be provided to patients who have no family to be with them or to provide support and guidance to families and caregivers, helping to relieve the unknown; this may also include staff if the patient resides at a facility. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including being a calm presence, talking and listening to the family/ caregivers, or sharing silence.

The Pet Therapy Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients, families and caregivers by making friendly visits with his/ her certified therapy animal. Visits may occur in the patient’s home or in a professional care setting (subject to the rules of the facility). Both the Volunteer and the certified therapy animal provide comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the illness. All care provided by the Pet Therapy Volunteer is outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

Pet: Majority of animals serving in this capacity will be a dog. The dog MUST be certified/ registered by an American kennel Club (AKC) recognized therapy dog organization. Other certified/ registered therapy animals will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. 

The Reiki Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients, families and caregivers by performing
Reiki to facilitate the body’s “relaxation response”. Provision of Reiki may promote a reduction in
anxiety, muscle tension, or pain, and can promote wellness and a greater sense of well‐being. The Reiki
volunteer may only perform Reiki to the head, neck, shoulders, arms and below the groin. Visits may
occur in the patient’s home or in a professional care setting. All care provided by the Reiki Volunteer is
outlined in the Volunteer Care Plan and agreed upon by the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).

* Must be certifed as a level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 (Master) Reiki Practitioner and have at least 1 year of active, certified experience*