How Do Volunteers Help?

Our valued volunteers play a vital role in the exceptional service and support provided by Partners In Care. Each volunteer shares his or her heart, time and skills to make a positive and rewarding impact with our patients, family members, caregivers and community.

Numerous opportunities are available for volunteers, whether you choose to have direct patient contact or are helping with other supportive activities.

  • Friendly visits with a patient as you listen to their stories, read to them, take walks together, play games, listen to their favorite music, look through photo albums, write letters, watch television, or simply be quietly present.
  • Caregiver respite relief so that that main caregiver can receive a needed break and recharge.
  • Run errands on behalf of a patient or family member.
  • Record a patient sharing their life stories via video, audio or written transcription.
  • Assist at our Hospice House by supporting the staff or providing music.
  • Become part of our HosPet therapy program and visit with your registered therapy animal.
  • Be in regular contact with our Transitions clients.
  • Assist with care for the gardens and grounds.
  • Assist with our annual flu clinics in October.
  • Educate groups in the community about hospice care.
  • Provide help with our monthly bereavement potluck.
  • Represent Partners In Care at a health fair or festival.

Volunteer Dashboard

Current volunteers can access the Volunteer Dashboard here.

Upcoming Volunteer Orientation Dates

Winter (Bend)

  • Thursday, January 31 from 1:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 2 from 8:30 a.m. – noon

Spring (Bend)

  • Thursday, May 2 from 1:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 4 from 8:30 a.m. – noon

Spring (Madras)

  • Tuesday, March 12 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Madras United Methodist Church

Summer (Bend)

  • Wednesday, July 24 from 1:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 27 from 8:30 a.m. – noon

Fall (Bend)

  • Wednesday, October 9 from 1:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12 from 8:30 a.m. – noon

Stories of Service

How Do I Become a Volunteer?

Familiarize yourself with the various volunteer opportunities presented on this page. Is there a particular opportunity that interests you?

Complete our volunteer application.

Once received, your application will be reviewed and an interview scheduled. All volunteer applicants must attend a 2-day orientation and pass a drug screening, criminal background check, and test for tuberculosis (TB). Please check our calendar to see when our next orientation is scheduled.

Volunteer FAQ

+Do volunteers provide any hands-on care?
No, volunteers do not provide hands-on care of any kind. They also do not dispense of any medications.
+What is the time commitment?
A volunteer can expect to serve a minimum of two hours a week, comprised of travel time, visit time, and reporting.

We realize that people do enjoy traveling and taking vacations throughout the year and we are able to accommodate travel schedules with appropriate volunteer assignments.

+How can a volunteer get involved besides visiting patients?
Volunteers are integral in assisting with our annual flu clinics, delivering medications on the weekend, representing the organization at health fairs or festivals, assisting with our monthly bereavement potluck and bereavement mailings, and maintaining our grounds and landscaping.
+When a volunteer visits, does the patient only talk about death?
Though dying and death certainly can be a topic of conversation, patients appreciate activities and conversations that are sources of comfort and quality of life. Patients may appreciate reminiscing as they share stories or look through photo albums. They may want to play a card or board game with the volunteer. Others may profoundly appreciate having the companionship of another person as they watch a favorite television show or movie.
+Am I expected to be present when a patient dies?
This is completely dependent on the volunteer’s comfort level, along with input from the family and clinical team. Most of our volunteers are not present when a patient dies.
+What support does a volunteer receive?
Besides the 2-day comprehensive orientation, volunteer meetings occur monthly during the winter, spring, and fall to provide ongoing education, tools and support. The Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Department Assistant remain in regular contact with the volunteers in order to inform of any necessary updates, provide support, and address any questions or concerns.