The Heartbeat of Compassus: The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer
At Compassus, our volunteers are the true heart of our hospice programs. They provide essential support, companionship, and compassion to our patients and their families. While many people decide to become hospice volunteers for a variety of reasons, what often surprises them is how much they gain in return. The rewards of volunteering extend far beyond the initial desire to help others; they touch the lives of the volunteers in profound and unexpected ways.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to their roles. They are driven by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a difference. However, what they often discover is that the rewards of volunteering are endless. The joy of forming meaningful connections, the satisfaction of making a positive impact, and the personal growth that comes from these experiences are just a few of the many benefits that our volunteers cherish.
One such volunteer is Daniel Dore, a Compassus Volunteer and veteran from our Columbia, Tennessee program. Daniel’s story exemplifies the profound mutual benefits of hospice volunteering. He visits patient and veteran “John” every other week on Fridays. Daniel looks forward to these visits because this patient shares captivating stories about his time as a cargo pilot flying into and out of Uganda.
“While he generally shares the same type of stories, he sometimes adds a new tidbit of information,” Daniel shares. “It seems to give him pleasure to share his stories and he seems to really enjoy it when I remember a story that he is repeating. While I am a Vietnam combat veteran with some degree of PTSD, it gives me a good feeling to focus my thoughts for a couple of hours on someone else and share what is/was important to them. It seems that these visits offer a two-way benefit.”
Daniel’s experience highlights the reciprocal nature of hospice volunteering. It’s not just about giving—it’s about receiving as well. The shared moments, the exchanged stories, and the mutual support create a bond that enriches both the volunteer and the patient. This connection is at the core of what makes our hospice programs so special.
If you’re interested in experiencing the rewards of hospice volunteering and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we invite you to learn more about becoming a Compassus volunteer and being an ambassador for our ‘Care for Who I am’ philosophy.
