Volunteer

Share Your Unique Gifts

At Above & Beyond Hospice we strive to provide compassionate care to patients and caregivers as they face their end of life experience.  In addition to providing comfort for our patients, we are also dedicated to providing an opportunity for patient and caregiver to share their life stories and participate in their lives to the extent they are able.  The volunteers of Above & Beyond Hospice Care are critical in our ability to provide this opportunity to our patients. Volunteers serve in many different capacities including companionship, caregiver relief/respite, visiting with family, reading, light meal preparation, and much, much more. You have valuable and unique gifts that will enhance the lives of the people we care for.  Offering these gifts to our patients and their caregivers brings them a bright spot during a time that can be difficult.  We thank you for showing an interest in volunteering with Above & Beyond Hospice Care and we hope to hear from you soon so that you may begin to share all that you have to offer.

Benefits of Volunteering

In addition to all of the companionship, joy and support that you will provide as a hospice volunteer, you can also expect that you in turn will benefit from the time you are spending with patients and/or caregivers.  CONNECTING with people by allowing them time to share their life stories is incredibly REWARDING.  Volunteering also provides you with a SENSE OF PURPOSE that you can only experience when you allow yourself, mind and body, to be present for a fellow neighbor during a difficult time.  The relief you may sense from caregivers who may need a break from the challenges of caregiving is especially FULFILLING.  In addition you will be able to share your gifts and hobbies with those you volunteer with allowing you to share those gifts that are UNIQUELY YOU.

Volunteer Now!

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Meghan Streck, at 319-465-4637 or mstreck@abovebeyondhc.com if you are interested in becoming a volunteer today!

Volunteering FAQs

[su_spoiler title="Where is Above & Beyond Hospice Care located?"] Above & Beyond is located in Monticello, IA (on Hwy 151 between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque). We serve a 50 mile radius from Monticello. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="How many hours are involved in training to be a Hospice Volunteer?"] Volunteers are required to complete 14-16 hours of training. In addition to that time, volunteers are required to attend four 2-hour in-services throughout the year. These in-services are opportunities to reflect and receive education that will further allow us to provide quality care to our patients.[/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="What does the training consist of?"] 1. Completing the online training video series 2. Reading training materials on your own time 3. Classroom time with your Volunteer Coordinator and fellow new volunteers [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="If I am not comfortable working one on one with patients, are there other volunteer opportunities for me? "] Absolutely! There are several opportunities for you to support the organization by assisting with mailings, filing and other clerical tasks, event planning and special projects. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="I do not have experience working in healthcare. Can I still volunteer? "] Yes! We will provide you with a thorough training which will allow you to feel comfortable in your role as a patient volunteer. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="What services would I be providing to patients? "] Volunteers visit with patients residing in their homes or long-term care facilities in the community. Duties may include: Companionship Caregiver Relief/Respite Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Attending Memorial or Funeral Services Spiritual Support Telephone follow-up Visiting with Family Reading to Patient Assisting patient in writing letters [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="Would I be responsible to provide any personal care to patients? "] No. Above & Beyond requests that volunteers do not provide any personal care to patients while volunteering. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="Is there a time commitment? "] Above & Beyond asks that volunteers commit to a minimum of at least 2-4 hours per month. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="Is the scheduling flexible? "] We strive to meet the schedules of our patient, family and caregiver. Volunteers will be in direct communication with patient, family or caregivers to schedule visits. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="Am I able to change my volunteer assignment if it is not a good fit? "] Definitely! We want this to be a positive experience for everybody involved. Not every patient will be a good fit with every volunteer and not every volunteer will be a good fit with every patient. t [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="Is there an age requirement to volunteer?"] You can begin to volunteer with Above & Beyond at age 16 with parental consent for a background check. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title="How do I get started?"] Contact the Above & Beyond Volunteer Coordinator, Johna Phillipson,  at 319-465-4637 or mstreck@abovebeyondhc.com, and she will get you started with your volunteer experience![/su_spoiler] Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Above & Beyond Hospice Care! We look forward to hearing from you and learning of the unique gifts you have to offer!