Opportunities From: United Way of East Central Iowa

Licensed Barbers and Hairdressers Needed

To help patients look good—which can help patients feel better—UnityPoint Hospice Cedar Rapids seeks licensed barbers and cosmetologists to volunteer their services to homebound hospice patients.

Professionals who volunteer must have a current and valid state license, and they also must undergo hospice volunteer training. You can be a part of helping not only to maintain someone's very appearance, but to maintain their dignity of life.

What do you think of when you hear the word "hospice"?

Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care. While a hospice serves those on their end-of-life journey, the process really concerns living—and, in as many cases as possible, living in the patient's home. At UnityPoint Hospice, we provide each patient comfort and the best possible care. Our volunteers play a critical role in our patients’ journey. They help to fulfill our goal — to help patients and their families live every moment.

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. We seek licensed barbers and hairdressers to volunteer, providing haircuts and related services to hospice patients in their homes.

For more information or to register for our next orientation opportunity, contact Amber Young, hospice volunteer coordinator, at (319) 369-7744, or amber.young@unitypoint.org.

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.

We are looking for veteran volunteers who would like to visit with our veteran patients. These veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate to and connect with Veteran patients in a way that our other volunteers cannot.

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!

To become a volunteer, contact Haley Tackaberry, volunteer coordinator, at 319.491.4498, or email haley.tackaberry@unitypoint.org.

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.

Want an easy way to make a big impact in someone's life?

Join our team of upbeat, big-hearted people who help to bring peace to those with terminal illnesses.

As a respite care volunteer with UnityPoint Hospice, you stay with the patient to allow caregivers or loved ones time to take care of themselves. This may be time to get a haircut, go to the grocery store, or even a day-long outing with friends. A visit with a patient might last two to four hours (or, in rare instances, enough time to allow the caregiver a day-long outing).

Volunteers are essential to the compassionate and personalized care provided by UnityPoint Hospice. Before you can visit patients, Iowa law requires hospice volunteers to undergo 14 hours of training (as well as background checks). At UnityPoint Hospice, we provide some of that training in person, and some of it online. Training includes such topics as hospice philosophy, attitudes toward death, preparing for death at home, spirituality in hospice, communication skills, and grief/bereavement.

To become a volunteer, call Haley Tackaberry, volunteer coordinator, at 319-491-4498, or email haley.tackaberry@unitypoint.org.

UnityPoint Hospice provides individualized patient and family-centered care to eastern Iowans within a 50-mile radius of Cedar Rapids. UnityPoint Hospice volunteers serve patients and their families in their homes or in care facilities as well as in the inpatient unit at UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospital. Volunteers' many services include providing companionship, socialization, and two- to three-hour respite services.