Forty-five years ago, Hospice of the Chesapeake began its journey of caring for life with four volunteers serving four patients. Since then, it has become Maryland’s largest independent not-for-profit hospice, caring for more than 59,000 hospice patients in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties. Well over 5,500 volunteers played a role in that care.
Volunteers play a vital role on the hospice team by visiting and providing comfort to patients, performing honor salutes, supporting caregivers, serving as facilitators for grief programs, acting as advocates at community events and assisting in our offices and inpatient care centers.
There is an immediate need for military personnel – active or veteran – to volunteer to perform honor salutes for veteran patients, with the greatest need for patients in Prince George’s and Charles counties. More than 25 percent of hospice patients are veterans, which is why Hospice of the Chesapeake has focused much energy on addressing their unique needs. These brief yet powerful ceremonies are performed at the homes and bedsides of dying veterans, leaving a lasting impact on not only the patient, but their family and friends.
The need for volunteers is constant. Other available volunteer roles include:
- Compassionate Care Volunteers provide companionship and a supportive presence for our patients and respite for family caregivers. They offer a listening ear, open mind and loving heart to those in our care.
- Integrative Arts Volunteers: Aromatherapy, Compassionate Touch, reiki practitioners, and certified pet therapy teams.
Become a hospice volunteer if you are age 18 or older and willing to complete volunteer training to prepare you for your volunteer role. To inquire about becoming a volunteer, contact volunteers@hospicechesapeake.org or 443-837-1508. People also can apply online at www.hospicechesapeake.org/volunteer.
Marine Corps veteran Albert Willis is presented with a certificate of appreciation for his military service from Hospice of the Chesapeake volunteer Air Force Master Sgt. Akesha Lowry during his honor salute. Hospice of the Chesapeake is always in need of volunteers like Lowry to perform these brief but powerful ceremonies for veterans who are hospice patients.
