October 1, 2008 > Recruiting Hospice Volunteers Recruiting Hospice Volunteers Submitted By Megan Carella All it takes is compassion and a little time to become a hospice volunteer for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care(r) of San Francisco Bay. Hospice volunteers give their time to terminally ill patients and their caregivers during a critical time. In orientation classes they are trained in listening skills, family dynamics and the right words to say to patients and their loved ones at the end of life. After completing the class, volunteers provide respite for caregivers, offer companionship for the patient, run errands and help in small but meaningful ways. They work in private homes, nursing homes and hospital inpatient units staffed by VITAS. Assignments and schedules are made according to the volunteer's preferences. There is a need for volunteers in Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. For more information or to attend an orientation class, please call Toni Elizalde, VITAS Volunteer Coordinator, at (510) 438-9602.