Volunteering
Hospice of Chattanooga


What does a hospice volunteer do? A patient/family care volunteer donates his/her time and talents to a hospice household and can fill many needed roles. In a million special ways the volunteer touches the lives of those she/he befriends, and adds comfort and support through such services as:
  • preparing simple meals
  • reading to the patient
  • helping write letters
  • running errands
  • listening/emotional support
  • doing simple household tasks
  • relieving the caregiver for short periods

Most volunteers visit their families once or twice a week and will be given as many or as few hospice patients and families as desired. Volunteers usually follow the patient's loved ones throughout the bereavement period.   details

Bereavement Support

Some volunteers may choose to offer their support during the bereavement period without prior assignment to the family and loved ones. Bereavement volunteers work with the Bereavement Coordinator to provide emotional comfort through visits, calls, cards, facilitating support groups, and during special days and events.   details

Volunteers Serving in Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities

HOC has grown over the years and more of our patients are receiving hospice care in many area nursing homes around Chattanooga. Volunteers are needed to drop by on a weekly basis to visit our patients! Our patients in these facilities need interaction with friendly, caring volunteers. details

Pet Therapy Volunteer

The Pet Therapy Volunteer takes one or two puppies to visit patients each week in local nursing homes. details

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Those who want to help but do not feel comfortable with direct family contact can provide equally rewarding and necessary assistance by filling volunteer roles such as:

What Types of Orientation Do Volunteers Receive?

Volunteers complete an initial training orientation offered several times each year (at various locations) under the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator. New volunteers often "shadow" a more experienced member until they are comfortable. Additional support is offered through classes in specialized areas and by hospice's medical and professional staff.

In-service training and special programs are provided on a monthly basis to help provide current health care information, create resources and a business base, and to answer questions and address problems that may benefit other volunteers.
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What Do I Gain From Being a Hospice Volunteer?

Volunteering offers each individual the opportunity to develop their human potential -- to stretch and to grow; to feel good about helping others in our community, always knowing that their efforts are greatly appreciated.

  • New friendships with staff, other volunteers and family.
  • Emotional reward in knowing a difference was made in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
  • An opportunity to help Hospice of Chattanooga grow, improve, and serve more of those who could benefit from hospice care.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Hospice of Chattanooga Volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator (Connie Havis) at 423-892-4289. Ext. 308 or email


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Hospice of Chattanooga
4411 Oakwood Drive | Chattanooga, TN 37416 | Phone: 423.892.4289

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