VITAS Volunteers give their time to terminally ill patients and their families at a critical time. Volunteers are trained in listening skills, family dynamics and the right words to say to terminally ill patients and their family caregivers. Assignments are made according to the volunteer’s work and family schedules. 

There is a variety of tasks at an inpatient hospice unit. 

Volunteers may choose to:

visit with patients and families

serve patients at mealtime

• • • read books
      • write letters or play games with patients and/or families
        • offer spiritual support
          • visit with your pet
            • sing or play music for patients and their families

The VITAS unit is open 24 hours seven days a week. Volunteer orientation is provided free of charge to help you learn the skills required to be an outstanding hospice volunteer. Time and dates are ongoing and flexible. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a hospice volunteer please call 203-437-3127.