Patient and Family Support

Being a hospice volunteer is an opportunity to provide compassionate support to patients and families facing end-of-life journeys. This meaningful experience involves visiting a patient weekly or bi-weekly in their home/care center to offer companionship. This companionship may include sitting with them, talking, listening, holding their hand, reading books, playing music, or simply being present. Volunteers are a vital piece of the hospice team and the care that we provide. Volunteer today and join us in a life changing experience for both you and the patients we serve. Very flexible and based on your schedule. No experience needed- just a compassionate heart. We serve patients in a 50-mile radius of Cedar Rapids. You will always be matched to patients within your preferred locations!

What is the commitment?

UnityPoint Hospice volunteers complete 14 hours of training in hospice philosophy, end-of-life care issues, and documentation. They also participate in ongoing educational opportunities throughout the year. Volunteering opportunities can range from an hour or so with a patient weekly or every other week, to several hours weekly in the office, in our hospital in-patient unit, or in patients’ homes or care facilities.

Note: We are in particular need of veterans to serve as hospice volunteers, because veterans who become hospice patients often ask for a veteran to serve as a volunteer.

For more information or to register for our next orientation opportunity, contact Haley Tackaberry, hospice volunteer coordinator, at (319)-491-4498, or haley.tackaberry@unitypoint.org.