Volunteering for Northern Arizona Hospice
Frequently Asked Questions

So, you’re thinking about volunteering and Northern Arizona Hospice is a possibility, but you have some questions. Perhaps we can answer some of them here. You may call us if you have additional ones. Our number is 928 639-6676 in Cottonwood and 928 773-2238 in Flagstaff.

First, all volunteers are trained in the skills required to work in Hospice. The Volunteer Training Program has sessions for all volunteers to learn about how Hospice provides care, communication skills, and community resources. Family Support Volunteers receive additional training in caring for the dying and their families and for the bereaved.


Question: WHAT TYPES OF VOLUNTEERS ARE THERE?

Family Support Volunteer

These volunteers are assigned to a patient to provide support and companionship for both the patient and the family. A warm and caring person is needed in this part of Hospice. Visiting, relieving the caregiver of responsibility for short periods and, most importantly, listening are ways in which these volunteers function. Most physical care is supplied by Hospice staff nurses and aides. Family Support Volunteers continue to aid the family in bereavement. The requested commitment is for a minimum of four hours per week and to serve for one year.

Office Volunteer

This individual helps coordinate some of the paperwork involved in the everyday running of the organization. On occasion they use their phone skills. An organized, caring person would do well here.

Fund Raising Volunteer

Some Hospice patients are not covered by Medicare or by private insurance; therefore, we must cover the cost of their care through regular fund raising activities. Organizational skills are a must here...for putting together activities with organizations willing to help Hospice. Our major fundraisers are a Golf Tournament, the Annual Tree of Light at the Christmas/Holiday season and an occasional raffle. New ideas are needed, and a cadre of people willing to develop this effort is very important to the life of Hospice.


Question: Who Is In Charge?

Eileen Scott is the Hospice Coordinator, 928 639-6678.

In Flagstaff, call Loretta Wellborn, 928 773-2238.
 

Question: I’m Retired and travel several times a year. Could I still volunteer, and what would happen to my work or to my patient and family?

Many of our volunteers have this kind of life style, and we back each other up as needed. You may travel this month and back-up another volunteer next month.


Question: Would I be on my own?

Absolutely not! Hospice functions as a team. The Volunteer Coordinator will keep you informed and up-to-date; the weekly case conferences will update you on your patient’s needs; you have the freedom of calling staff at any time with questions. There are monthly in-services and Hospice assigns you a more seasoned volunteer as a “buddy” whom you may use as a resource person.


Question: Will I be asked to do things I may not want to do?

We always accept a “No” from our volunteers. We try to assign volunteers to families who match based on volunteer requests. Volunteers offer what they can to their families.


Question: How Do I Become A Hospice Volunteer?

Volunteer Training Sessions are held twice a year in
Cottonwood. To find out when the next session begins, please call 928 639-6676.

If you are interested in training in Flagstaff, please call
928 773-2238.

We’ll Welcome You!

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Northern Arizona Healthcare - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001 - 928 779-3366
Flagstaff Medical Center - 1200 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001 - 928 779-3366
Verde Valley Medical Center - 269 S. Candy Lane, Cottonwood, Ariz. 86326 - 928 639-6000
VVMC - Sedona Campus - 3700 W. Highway 89A, Sedona, Ariz., 86336 - 928 204-3000