Volunteer in your community and set your own schedule! JourneyCare's Care Companion volunteers support hospice patients and families in their home, which may be a private residence or senior living community.
Who: JourneyCare serves over 2,500 patients each day and has the largest pediatric program in Illinois.
What: A Care Companion is simply a friend who visits (on a routine or occasional basis) with a child or adult receiving hospice care. The provide companionship, emotional support, and, above all, offer a presence, an ear to listen to stories and an understanding smile. You do not provide hands on medical care.
When: Work with the patient and family to determine your schedule. Care Companions often see their patient once a week or once every other week. Visits for socialization can be as short as 30 minute and a respite visit can last no longer than 4 hours.
Where: You will visit patients in their private residence or senior living community.
Why: Care Companions also provide respite support so tired, stressed caregivers can take a much-needed break. JourneyCare supports pediatric patients as well and also needs volunteers who can support those families, perhaps by doing some light housekeeping or spending time with the patient's siblings.
How to get started: Fill out the JourneyCare Volunteer Application and register for an orientation: http://journeycare.org/volunteer/apply-volunteer/
