Crossroads Hospice Seeks Compassionate Volunteers to Help Support Social Workers

In recognition of National Social Workers Month, Crossroads Hospice is making a special appeal for volunteers ages 16 and older to join the team and learn from some of the heroes who help coordinate the vital services on which hospice patients and their families rely.

“In many ways, social workers are the unsung heroes of healthcare,” said Volunteer Manager Ashley Green. “They provide a range of vital services, providing comfort to people who are experiencing devastating illnesses, supporting veterans and their families, helping people find ways to cope with anxiety and bringing together individuals and critical resources to solve problems.”

Volunteers can play a crucial role in supporting this important work by learning to provide direct comfort, companionship and a helping hand to terminally-ill patients and their families in their homes, in assisted living facilities and nursing facilities. Volunteers are also welcome to help Crossroads staff in the office, including planning a “Gift of a Day,” which asks a patient to describe a perfect day and then makes it a reality.

Volunteers can share their favorite activities like reading, card games, playing music, or arts and crafts. They can bring their pets to visit patients or run errands and provide respite for family members.

“Just like our social workers, our volunteers give extra love and comfort to terminally-ill patients and their families,” said Green. “Just being a friendly voice or giving caregivers a much-needed break makes a world of difference. Best of all, our volunteers often gain as much as they give—new relationships, new skills and great satisfaction.”

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Ashley Green at 330-899-9100 or ashley.green@crossroadshospice.com or visit https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-volunteering/hospice-volunteering/. Check out how Crossroads volunteers bring smiles to patients here: http://on.fb.me/1oO8s1n.

Before becoming a Crossroads Hospice volunteer, participants must complete an application, TB skin test, and training session led by members of the Crossroads team. Potential volunteers must wait a minimum of one year after the death of an immediate family member or loved one before applying.

Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers. Visit www.crossroadshospice.com for more information.