In 2015, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton and Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties volunteers honored 500 patients who were veterans with special tribute ceremonies; made 6,868 calls to bereaved family and friends and created 203 Memory Bears for 90 families. Volunteers also made 1,956 patient visits and provided 414 caregiver relief visits.

The contributions of hospice volunteers was celebrated during National Volunteer Week as Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton and Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties honored 694 volunteers, who contributed 66,959 hours of service in 2015.

Hospice volunteers play a vital role with the Quality of Life teams serving hospice patients and their families, providing respite care, shopping, delivery of medications and supplies, massage, beautician and barber services, and gardening.  Volunteers with their pet therapy animals spent 598 hours visiting patients and families. Volunteers also provide clerical and office support, serve as receptionists, assist with fundraising events, data entry and serve as Ambassadors helping families whose loved ones are receiving care at the Hospice House locations of Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton and Ohio’s Hospice of Butler & Warren Counties.

“Volunteer service to our organization is calculated at $1,544,745,” says Maureen Swarts, Volunteer Services Manager.  “But in reality their contribution is priceless.  They give from their hearts and enable us to touch the lives of patients and families with compassion and care that far exceeds any dollar amount. We are so grateful for all our volunteers do to enable us to deliver superior care and superior services. They make our mission possible!”

There are always opportunities for volunteers interested in direct patient contact and care to serve as ambassadors, visitors and caregivers, with flexibility in the time and location of service. For additional information please visit www.hospiceofdayton.org/volunteers/