The Rewarding Feeling of Coordinating Volunteers for Hospice Patients

By R. Bruce Dalglish

Updated June 25, 2018

It takes a unique village of high-quality professionals and caring human beings to ensure that Alliance Hospice provides and maintains an excellent level of care. Our patients deserve nothing less, and our dedicated staff are determined to assure that our patients are as comfortable as possible, and feel that they have a rewarding quality of life during their final days.

Jessica Harr, Volunteer Coordinator at Alliance Hospice, exudes that determination in her hands-on work with Alliance Hospice’s volunteers. In her own words, Jessica stated that, “Volunteers are the heart and soul of our service. They are kind generous people that provide love and care to our patients and their family members, as well as helping hands to our hard working staff. Alliance Hospice volunteers are our angels, and I feel truly blessed that it is my job to take care of the volunteers.”

Each and every day, Jessica observes the kindness of her volunteers firsthand. “I have witnessed a caregiver get the chance to go have lunch with her sister and their Red Hat ladies group for the first time in over a year,” described Jessica. “Those sisters came back after an hour and a half giggling like school girls! My volunteers and I looked at each other smiling and asked them why they didn’t stay longer. The wife replied that she didn’t want to take advantage. My volunteer then said that she would stay all day to see them smile and laugh like that. She is one my many volunteers who feels that volunteering is the best job she has ever had.”

This is just one of many examples of the meaningful volunteerism that Jessica helps nurture and foster, leading to a profound impact on our hospice patients. The reward involved in volunteering at Alliance Hospice is immeasurable for all involved – the patient, the family, our staff, and our wonderful volunteers.

About the Author 

Bruce Dalglish has served as the Chairman and CEO of Alliance Hospice and All Caring Hospice since 2005. In this role, Bruce Dalglish oversees the development and strategic direction of both companies. From 2008 – 2013, Bruce Dalglish served on the Public Policy Committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

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Disclaimer: Blogs by R. Bruce Dalglish provide educational information, not medical advice. Please consult with your medical providers when making end-of-life care decisions.