Hospice looking for volunteers.

Hospice looking for volunteers.

Hospice of Michigan is looking for volunteers to help patients and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses in communities throughout west Michigan. Residents interested in donating their time can virtually attend a new volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 26.

Hospice of Michigan has a specific need for volunteers in Ludington, Holland, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Big Rapids particularly: 

• Veteran volunteers to visit with veteran patients and participate in veteran pinning ceremonies.
• Pet volunteers to visit patients with their four-legged companions to provide interaction, entertainment and enjoyment.

West Michigan native Pam Mohrhardt always wanted to volunteer, but never seemed to have the time. When she retired as a nurse and administrator for Christian Care Assisted Living in Muskegon, she wanted to fill her days with purpose. Working with seniors in a care facility showed Mohrhardt, firsthand, the excellent care Hospice of Michigan provides patients and families and inspired her to make a difference through volunteering. Now she encourages her community to ‘just try it.’

“Ask yourself what you can offer to others,” said Mohrhardt. “Whether it’s reading to a patient or just talking to them, you form a relationship with those you visit. You’re giving them a better quality of life through your time together.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the not-for-profit shifted from in-person to virtual volunteer visits to safely continue providing socialization and companionship to patients, and relief for their caregivers.

Hospice of Michigan volunteers are vital in helping to deliver exceptional, compassionate support to patients and families according to its mission of caring for patients wherever they call home, right in the same community in which its volunteers live. No special experience is required to volunteer.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Megan Cadle at 616-356-5233 or mcadle@hom.org to register for March training. To learn more about Hospice of Michigan and becoming a volunteer, visit www.hom.org.