We provide Residence Hospice Care, Bereavement Care, and Community Hospice Care programs such as in-home visits, day hospice and Caregiver Support. Our services meet the highest care standards in a setting that reflects as closely as possible a comfortable home environment.
Our volunteers, with their wide range of skills and dedication, make it possible for Hospice Care Ottawa to provide the services we offer. You can get involved in a variety of ways:
Prerequisite for these positions are: Attend an Information session, interview, screening, 30 hour Hospice Palliative Care Core Volunteer Training, volunteer commitment of 1 year, must be 18 months past death of close loved one, must be 18 years of age or older and be able to obtain a vulnerable sector check through the Ottawa Police.
Day Hospice Program – The role of the Day Hospice Volunteer is to support the Community Hospice Care Coordinator in offering guests a day away in a supportive and friendly environment. Volunteers help provide a delicious lunch, camaraderie, laughter, programing and one on one support throughout the day. Must be available on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday depending on hospice site.
In Home Support Program – The role of the In-Home Support Volunteer is to regularly visit clients in their home with the purpose of providing high quality compassionate support to them and their family. The volunteer provides companionship, comfort measures, practical support, emotional support and respite to caregivers. The volunteer provides a unique role by being a neutral and non-judgmental presence. Visits typically last 2 to 4 hours and are held weekly most often during regular business hours.
Residential Care Program – The role of the Residential Care Volunteer is to assist the care team in providing high quality care for the residents and families who are utilizing this service. Residential care volunteers work 3–4-hour shifts including mornings, afternoons and evenings, seven days a week. Volunteers are required to do light cooking and kitchen duties, assist with bedside care and require excellent listening skills in supporting families.
Prerequisite: Interview, screening, 30-hour Hospice Palliative Care Core Volunteer Training, 1 year experience as a Client Care Volunteer, 2 day Grief and Bereavement Support Volunteer Training
Bereavement Support Volunteers offer emotional and practical support to bereaved clients of Hospice Care Ottawa through our programs such as Grief Walks, facilitating Partner/Spousal Loss Groups, Bereavement Drop-In Groups, One to One Support, and the Bereavement Retreat.
Prerequisite: Interview, screening, 30-hour Hospice Palliative Care Core Volunteer Training, Certification in complimentary therapy offered and experience working with clients.
Complementary Therapies Volunteers can provide Reflexology, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Yoga, Light Massage, and Meditation/Relaxation to people in hospice client care programs as part of a holistic approach that is integrated into the interdisciplinary plan of care. Complementary Therapies are performed by volunteers, who have completed the required training which meets basic standards as established by the discipline and who have experience with clients in their own practice.
Prerequisite: Interview, screening, 30-hour Hospice Palliative Care Core Volunteer Training within first year of service
Day Hospice Transportation Volunteers pick clients up at home and bring them to Day Hospice for 10am and then return to bring them back home at the end of the program at 2pm. We require our drivers to take our direct client care training as they are one:one with clients in the vehicle. Must be available on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday depending on hospice site.
Volunteers assist in multiple departments doing data entry, minute taking, translation and assist in other office needs during regular business hours.
Outreach Volunteers attend community events as HCO representatives to help promote programs and services. They may also assist in writing articles and other activities to increase organizational recognition.
Volunteers come in to make new floral arrangements or refresh existing ones from donated materials.
Garden Volunteers assist with planning, planting and maintaining the gardens between May and October at our May Court and Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice sites.
Volunteers assist with ongoing general upkeep of the facility including painting, repairs, moving, lawn care etc.
Volunteers assist the Fund Development Team by helping them as committee members for our special events, partnerships, initiatives and outreach.
Event Day Volunteers provide day of support at Hospice Care Ottawa’s Special Events with the objective of raising funds for programs and services.
Kitchen Volunteers assist with the preparation of Day Hospice meals, food for residents, as well as baked goods for meetings and programs. Soup volunteers prepare a homemade soup daily which is made available for staff/volunteers and family members who have loved ones in the residence.
Reception Volunteers are the first point of contact for visitors entering our hospice locations. Their role is to greet, screen and direct all visitors. They also help with deliveries, answering phone calls, and other small administrative tasks.