Hospice Volunteer Application and Admission Process

Become a committed and caring Summa Health at Home volunteer

Your Commitment. Because Summa Health at Home is responsible for the welfare of its patients and families, there are certain guidelines we must follow when hiring employees and placing volunteers who work directly with our patients and families. Also due to the costs and time it takes to screen and train volunteers, we require at least a six-month commitment and 50 hours of volunteer service. Most Direct Service volunteer assignments require a minimum commitment of 2 to 4 hours each month. For Indirect Service volunteer positions, the monthly commitment varies based upon the assignment.

Hospice Volunteer Application Process

For those volunteers having patient contact or helping in the office, you must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete a Volunteer application.
Step 2: Interview with a member of the Summa Health at Home Volunteer Services.
Step 3: Complete reference and background screens.
Step 4: Be invited and attend orientation.
Step 5: Complete fingerprinting, ID badge photo and health screenings.
Step 6: Service placement matching your talents and interests with the needs of the patient, family and organization.

For volunteers helping from home, you must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete an application.
Step 2: Interview with a member of the Summa Health at Home Volunteer Services, receive information and direction about your specific project.
Step 3: Start your volunteer service!

Hospice Volunteer Self-Study Orientation Materials

The following study aids are offered as downloadable pdfs for your review before attending the orientation session:

• Demystifying the Process of Dying
• Hospice 101
• Hospice 101: Self-Study
• Communication Strategies
• Cultural Competency
• Communication & Cultural Competency: Self-Study
• Understanding Professional Boundaries for Hospice Volunteers
• Professional Boundaries: Self-Study
• Dementia - 10 Communication Absolutes
• Communicating with Alzheimer Patients
• Veteran Issues at the End of Life

Start helping others today! Contact us at hospiceinfo@summahealth.org or call 234.200.1210.