Silverado Hospice Recognizes Volunteers

April is a very special month with regard to volunteerism. With April 12-15 recognized as National Volunteer Week and April 20 as Volunteer Appreciation Day, there are many opportunities this month to say thanks to a volunteer. At Silverado Hospice of Dallas/Fort Worth, our volunteers were invited to attend a special Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on April 27 at On the Border. Our volunteers had a chance to network with each other, as well as our Hospice Administrator during this event. It was a great dinner, and a very special time during which we were able to recognize our volunteers for all that they do.

Without our volunteers, it would be impossible for Silverado Hospice to not only meet our requirements for Medicaid, but more importantly, our program would not be able to provide the level of compassion, comfort, friendship, and support that can only be provided to our patients and families through the efforts of our selfless volunteers. At Silverado, we rely highly on the efforts of our volunteers, as they provide an invaluable service that makes them an integral part of the hospice team.

If you are interested in learning more about this amazing program or how you can serve, please take a look at the volunteer program opportunities, requirements, and contact information for the Volunteer Coordinator below. 

SILVERADO HOSPICE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Silverado Hospice has a meaningful need for volunteers throughout North Texas. Because hospice is a philosophy and not a place, our volunteers serve patients all over the metroplex including senior living communities, nursing facilities, hospitals, as well as in their homes. Hospice volunteers are ordinary people of all ages with extraordinary love and a common bond, concern for others. Our volunteers are an integral part of our Circle of Care team who turn a few hours a week into priceless moments for hospice patients and families. You will undoubtedly find your volunteer experience with Silverado to be rewarding, educational, and life changing through the hearts and spirits of those you serve.

Volunteer Service Opportunities

Patient/Family Services

• Provides various services as needed or requested to patients and their families including supportive care, comfort, and caregiver relief/respite care.
• Offers other supportive measures including reading and writing for patient, sitting at bedside, and providing conversation and socialization.

Transitions Volunteer Services

• Non-Hospice Patient Care Services
• Provides various services as needed or requested to patients and their families including supportive care, comfort, and caregiver relief/respite care.
• Offers other supportive measures including reading and writing for patient, sitting at bedside, providing conversation and socialization, running errands, and light cooking or housekeeping.

Office/Clerical Services

• Provides clerical support to the hospice program by fulfilling assignments in the hospice office.
• Assists with filing, answering phones, writing thank you notes and sympathy cards, prepares and mails volunteer information, newsletters, and other literature.

Supplemental Services

• Provides supplemental services to hospice patients, families, and hospice staff.
• Assists with the Petals for Patients program by picking up, arranging, and/or delivering flowers to patients.
• Assists with the Covered with Love program by picking up, making, and/or delivering blankets to patients.
• Assists with the Memory Catchers program by recording and editing the life story of hospice and non-hospice patients through digital video recordings.
• Assists with the Loving Lawns program by providing lawn care services to patients living in their homes who may be unable to accomplish the tasks themselves.
• Assists with the Essential Oils program by helping to mix oils and lotions for use with patients.
• Assists with the Birthday Celebrations program by helping order and deliver birthday gifts, cards, and balloons to patients.

Bereavement Services

• Provides active listening, companionship, assistance, and other supportive services to bereaved families, significant others, and/or caregivers.
• Assists with the Comfort Food program by picking up and delivering food to patient families during bereavement.

 Volunteer Program Requirements

• Pre-Requisites: Must be at least 18 years of age, possess a valid Driver’s License, and have current auto insurance. All volunteers must also go through a phone interview as well as an orientation prior to being placed in a volunteering position.
• Time Requirements: Volunteers are asked to serve at least 1 hour weekly for a minimum of 3-6 months. The hours and days are flexible according to the schedules of both the patient and the volunteer.
• Required Paperwork: Application, Current Resume, Criminal Background Consent, Copy of current driver’s license, and copy of current auto insurance
• Other Requirements: Must have a TB test prior to onboarding and each year after, drug screen, and criminal background check (all paid for by Silverado). Volunteers must also be able to provide 2 personal references. 

Don’t have time to volunteer or don’t meet volunteer requirements?

Silverado Hospice always has a need for individuals and groups to donate items such as flower vases and flowers for our Petals for Patients Program, blankets for our Covered with Love Program, and much more! You or your group can schedule a vase or blanket drive that will be of great benefit to our patients and our program. Please contact Trisha Burns, Volunteer Coordinator for more information.

If you have any further questions or to get information and an application packet, please contact Trisha Burns – Palliative Transitions & Volunteer Coordinator at: (972) 409-9884 or tburns@silveradocare.com.