South Central Michigan Hospice Volunteer

Hospice supports individuals and families through the unique end-of-life journey. You can take part in this tender process as a volunteer with Henry Ford Hospice – South Central Michigan.

Our hospice covers South Central Michigan, including all of Jackson County and some of the surrounding counties of Calhoun, Hillsdale, Ingham, and Lenawee Counties. Volunteers can serve in the community within patient residences (homes, nursing facilities, etc.), at the Henry Ford Hospice Home - Jackson, and at special locations for events or specific assignments.

Each volunteer can have a schedule unique to their availability. Some people come in multiple times a week and others once a month. Shifts often last 2-4 hours, depending on the task. We do not have a required number of total hours, but we invite volunteers to commit to a year of volunteering (and have many volunteers going on 10+ years!) OR 60 hours within a 12 week period (such as a school semester). This will help us have consistency and to wisely use our resources.

Ways to Volunteer

Direct Patient Care (In-community or Hospice Home - Jackson)

• In-person visits to support the patient or family members
  
  • Companionship
  • Reading
  • Errand running
  • Chore assistance
  • Pet care
  • Check in phone calls
• Enrichment activities
  • Games and activities
  • Holiday and special events
  • Spiritual support
  • Support therapies: Music, massage, aroma
  • Pet therapy, for volunteers with licensed animals
• We Honor Veterans: Short memorial programs to present a pin

Bereavement Services

• Facilitate or assist at a grief support group
• Bereavement camp support
• Administrative
  • Mailing monthly newsletters
  • Phone calls to check in with families

Support Services

• Administrative
  • Auditing data
  • Assembling binders, prepping mail
  • Phone calls
  • Organizing and cleaning
• Grounds Keeping
• Seasonal Décor
• Events and fundraising
• Henry Ford Hospice Quilters (every Tuesday, 10-1 at the Crouch Senior Center)

Volunteer Requirements

• 15+ years old
• Immunizations (Tdap, MMR, flu (annually), COVID recommended, but not required)*
• Negative TB test
• Pass a federal background check
• Hospice training, provided
• Driver’s license and car insurance (if applicable to position)
• Commitment to serve; there is no official amount but we ask a minimum of 60 hours total
• If you have lost a close loved one, a healing period of one year is highly recommended prior to volunteering. We are happy to discuss your individual circumstances if you feel ready to volunteer sooner.

Process to Become a Volunteer

• Get in touch with our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhospice@hfhs.org or 517-205-6982, ext. 3558
• Complete an application
• Meet for an interview and program overview
• Officially accept an offer to become a volunteer
• Get a fingerprinted, federal background check (if over 18 years of age) **
• Undergo a health screening at Employee Health Screening (Includes TB test, review of immunization record; if any immunizations are needed, they can be administered)**
• Complete training concerning Hospice and Henry Ford Volunteer Policies
• Start volunteering, which will begin with training for your specific position(s)

*Henry Ford Health can provide these.
**Henry Ford Health will cover the cost.

If you would like to volunteer or want more details, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhospice@hfhs.org or 517-205-3558.