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 within a 60-mile radius, including all of Jackson County and some of the surrounding counties of Calhoun, Hillsdale, Ingham, Lenawee, and Washtenaw 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.

and at special locations for events or specific assignments.

Ways to Volunteer

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

In-person visits to support the patient or family members

• Companionship
• Reading
• Pet care
• Check in phone calls
• End-of-Life Doula Volunteer: sitting with patients when they are preparing to pass

Enrichment activities

• Games and activities
• Holiday and special events
• 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
• Administrative
  
  • Phone calls to check in with families

Support Services

• Administrative
  
  • Assembling binders, prepping mail
  • Phone calls
  • Organizing and cleaning
• Seasonal Décor
• Events and fundraising
• Henry Ford Hospice Quilters
• Every Tuesday, 10-1 at the Crouch Senior Center
• Every Tuesday, 9-12 at Stockbridge United Methodist Church

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/State ID
• 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.