This is Volunteer Appreciation Week!

To be a hospice volunteer requires an open heart, generosity, empathy and compassion. At Gallagher hospice, we are so grateful for our amazing volunteers who bring their time and talents to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families. Our volunteers support and enhance our strong mission.
Hospice was founded as a grassroots movement in the 1970s comprised primarily of volunteers. Today, throughout the country, there are thousands of trained hospice volunteers who support end-of- life care, and bring comfort to patients and families in ways, both large and small. Medicare regulations require that volunteers serve as part of the team in hospice programs.

Volunteers spend time with patients, allowing them to take a break from caregiving, offer companionship and a compassionate listening ear. They often form unique bonds with those they serve and care for. Volunteers also provide bereavement and supportive counseling after loss, assisting families through their grief process. Volunteers also assist within the organization with administrative tasks in a variety of ways.

We at Gallagher Hospice are privileged to have such a devoted and caring group of volunteers who support us, our patients and our community. We will be celebrating them with a special dinner this week and honoring them all month long. If you know a volunteer, please thank them and make sure to let them know how much they are appreciated. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with Gallagher Hospice or you know someone who might be, please check out the volunteer section of our website to learn more and get started.