A volunteer’s gift of time completes the circle of care that is offered through hospice. Volunteers make a significant difference in end of life experience for our patients. Hospice of Douglas County provides the following volunteer services to our patients:

Patient Care Volunteers provide companionship to the patient and respite for the caregiver. The most important thing the volunteer offers is listening, sharing quiet moments, providing gentle touch and just being there.

Bereavement Volunteers offer support to family and friends after the death of a loved one.   During the bereavement process, this specially trained volunteer helps those touched by loss to work through the emotions of grief and rebuild and reaffirm their life.

Parting Gift Letter Volunteers facilitate conversations that bring about stories, core values and priceless life lessons in order to present a heartfelt letter that families will treasure and pass on to generations to come.

Therapy Dog Volunteers provide comfort, support and animal companionship to hospice patients and their families. Visits between patients and therapy dogs promote activity, conversation, and emotional connection. All dogs accepted into the program are American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certified and are registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs. They are also graduates from our Canine University program. Therapy dog handlers are Hospice of Douglas County trained volunteers.