Patient and Family Support

What do you think of when you hear the word "hospice"?

While a hospice provides services for those on their end-of-life journey, the process really concerns living. At UnityPoint Hospice, we make sure each patient is comfortable and receives the best possible care. Our volunteers play a critical role in our patients journey. They help to fulfill UnityPoint Hospices goal to help patients and their families live every moment.

What is the commitment?

UnityPoint Hospice volunteers complete 14 hours of training in hospice philosophy, end-of-life care issues, and documentation. They also participate in ongoing educational opportunities throughout the year. Volunteering opportunities can range from an hour or so with a patient weekly or every other week, to several hours weekly in the office, in our hospital in-patient unit, or in patients homes or care facilities.

Our patient and family support volunteers help patients live every moment by:

• Providing caregiver and patient support
• Running errands for patients and families
• Sharing their own unique talents
• Listening to patients life stories and providing companionship

Note: We are in particular need of veterans to serve as hospice volunteers, because veterans who become hospice patients often ask for a veteran to serve as a volunteer.

For more information or to register for our next orientation opportunity, contact Amber Young, hospice volunteer coordinator, at (319) 369-7744, or [email protected].