What Motivates Hospice Volunteers? (Video 4:52 mins.)

People serve as hospice volunteers for various reasons. That fact is official and supported by research gathered from 351 mailed surveys. Volunteers from 32 hospice organizations gave their reasons for performing regular service. Their comments were ranked in order of importance. The “American Journal of Hospice Palliative Care” reported these results:

1) Help others and learn
2) Foster social relationships
3) Feel better
4) Pursue career goals

Why is this information useful? An analysis of this data can help volunteer coordinators in their approaches when recruiting. Younger volunteers reported stronger career motivations. Retired and unemployed volunteers reported stronger social motivations. Emphasizing service, varied learning experiences involved, and potential for social networking will encourage others to consider participating in hospice volunteer opportunities.

In this video, San Diego Hospice volunteers explain the win-win rewards of serving hospice patients.

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”

“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”