Local care for Wichita and surrounding communities Call (316) 869-0015
Hospice & Palliative Care Volunteer Program

Bring Comfort, Presence, and Companionship to Families Across Kansas.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of hospice care. Whether sharing memories over coffee, giving a family caregiver a much-needed afternoon of rest, or helping in our local Wichita office, your gift of time brings dignity, peace, and warmth when it matters most.

Inquire to Volunteer Call Our Care Team · (316) 869-0015
Hospice volunteer and senior woman smiling warmly together during a friendly home visit in Wichita
A friendly visit brings joy, companionship, and genuine human connection to patients receiving hospice care in the comfort of their home.
Why Volunteer in Hospice?

The Irreplaceable Gift of Compassionate Presence

Hospice care is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves dignity, comfort, and human warmth throughout life's final chapters. While our physicians, registered nurses, social workers, and chaplains manage symptoms and coordinate clinical care, our volunteers offer something uniquely powerful: companionship, listening, and normalcy.

Under Medicare regulations (42 CFR § 418.78), hospice care is uniquely mandated to maintain an active volunteer corps providing at least 5% of all patient care hours. This federal requirement reflects what families have known for generations: emotional, social, and human presence are essential components of holistic comfort care.

No Medical Background Needed

You will never be asked to administer medication, perform nursing procedures, or provide hands-on medical tasks. You are there simply as a caring friend and community neighbor.

Flexible Around Your Life

Whether you have 2 hours a week, 4 hours a month, or prefer daytime or weekend visits, we match your schedule and geographic preferences right here in South Central Kansas.

Free Comprehensive Training

We provide full orientation covering hospice philosophy, patient privacy (HIPAA), communication skills, and grief understanding—so you feel confident and supported.

Deeply Rewarding Impact

Volunteers frequently describe their time with hospice patients as life-changing. You become a steady beacon of peace, comfort, and relief for families navigating challenging days.

Volunteer Opportunities

Meaningful Roles Tailored to Your Strengths

Every volunteer brings unique gifts, life experiences, and talents. Explore our core volunteer tracks to find the role that speaks to your heart.

Direct Patient Care

Patient Companionship & Friendly Visits

Visit patients in private homes, assisted living, or memory care communities. Share conversation, read books or newspapers, listen to favorite music, work on simple puzzles, look through photo albums, or sit quietly together in soothing presence.

Family Support

Family Caregiver Respite

Caring for a terminally ill loved one is physically and emotionally exhausting. Respite volunteers stay with the patient for 2 to 4 hours so family caregivers can run errands, attend personal medical appointments, or take a restorative nap with total peace of mind.

Honoring Heroes

Veteran-to-Veteran Program

Military veterans share a sacred, unspoken bond of service. Veteran volunteers are paired with veteran hospice patients to share camaraderie, listen to military memories, and participate in formal bedside pinning ceremonies recognizing their dedicated service to our nation.

Administrative

Office & Administrative Support

Prefer a behind-the-scenes role? Assist our administrative and clinical staff at our Wichita office (7607 East Harry Street) with assembling admission packets, preparing volunteer mailings, organizing supplies, filing, or making supportive check-in phone calls.

Ongoing Compassion

Bereavement & Grief Outreach

Our commitment to families continues for 13 months following a patient's passing. Bereavement volunteers assist our grief coordinators by writing handwritten sympathy and anniversary cards, making check-in phone calls, and helping host annual memorial ceremonies.

Sacred Presence

11th Hour Vigil Presence

A sacred calling for seasoned volunteers who receive specialized training to provide quiet bedside presence during a patient's final hours. Vigil volunteers ensure that no hospice patient ever passes away alone, especially when family members cannot be present.

Compassionate bedside presence: hospice volunteer gently holding hands with a patient
Compassionate presence: Every volunteer receives thorough training and continuous clinical backing, ensuring you feel confident, prepared, and valued in every visit.
The Onboarding Journey

How We Prepare and Support Every Volunteer

We believe in preparing our volunteers with the highest level of care, respect, and education. You will never be sent to visit a patient without thorough preparation and continuous guidance from our clinical leadership.

  1. 1

    Inquiry & Initial Conversation

    Submit our simple online inquiry form below or call our volunteer coordinator at (316) 869-0015. We will have an informal phone conversation to discuss your interests, availability, and questions.

  2. 2

    Welcoming Personal Interview

    Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator at our Wichita office or via video call. We want to understand your personality, talents, comfort level, and what kind of volunteer track will be most fulfilling for you.

  3. 3

    Screening & Peace of Mind (100% Free)

    For the safety and protection of our vulnerable patients, we arrange and pay for all required background checks, reference verifications, and a free two-step tuberculosis (TB) screening.

  4. 4

    Comprehensive Orientation & Education

    Participate in structured orientation covering hospice philosophy, patient rights and HIPAA privacy, effective communication techniques, active listening, infection prevention, and understanding the grief process.

  5. 5

    Supported Placement & Ongoing Mentorship

    We match you with patients close to your home in Wichita or neighboring communities. Our volunteer team is always just a phone call away, providing ongoing guidance, debriefing, and team support whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering

Do I need any healthcare, medical, or nursing experience?

Not at all! Hospice volunteers never perform clinical duties, administer medication, or provide personal hygiene care. Our registered nurses and certified aides handle all clinical care. Volunteers are there as caring human beings to offer conversation, companionship, reassurance, and practical respite.

How much time am I expected to commit?

Our volunteer program is designed to be completely flexible. Most active volunteers spend between 2 to 4 hours per week or every other week with their assigned patient. We work with your schedule—whether you work full-time, attend school, or are enjoying retirement.

Where do volunteer visits take place?

Visits occur wherever our patients call home across South Central Kansas. This includes private homes, apartments, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing or memory care communities throughout Sedgwick, Butler, Reno, Harvey, Cowley, Sumner, and Kingman counties. We match you with patients located close to where you live or work.

What if I recently lost a close friend or family member?

If you have experienced the death of a close loved one within the past 12 months, we generally encourage you to wait before participating in direct bedside visits. This period allows your own grief to heal. However, you are very welcome to join us in an administrative or office support role right away!

Are there age or vehicle requirements?

Direct patient volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance. High school students interested in service hours are welcome to explore supervised administrative or office support opportunities.

Will I receive support if I feel overwhelmed?

Absolutely. Working with hospice patients can evoke strong emotions. Our hospice director, social workers, and chaplains are always available to debrief, listen, and offer emotional and spiritual support to our volunteers after every visit.

Volunteer Intake

Join Our Hospice Volunteer Family

Fill out the brief inquiry form below. Our volunteer coordination team will review your information and reach out within 1–2 business days to discuss next steps.

Your information is private, secure, and used solely for HHHOK volunteer onboarding.
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Contact Information

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Volunteer Preferences

Questions? Call Michele Glancy, RN and our Volunteer Coordination Team at (316) 869-0015 or email info@kansashomehealth.com.

Our Service Area

Volunteering Across South Central Kansas

Home Health & Hospice of Kansas serves patients and families throughout Sedgwick, Butler, Reno, Harvey, Cowley, Sumner, and Kingman counties. Wherever you live across our region, there is a patient nearby who will benefit from your kindness and friendship.

Call our care team · (316) 869-0015