Who are The Elliot VNA Volunteers?
Elliot VNA volunteers span a wide range of ages and bring experience from diverse fields including education, nursing, business, engineering, and administration. United by a shared passion for making a difference, they contribute in meaningful ways—whether by supporting hospice patients and their families or assisting with office tasks and special projects. With opportunities for everyone to get involved, each volunteer finds a meaningful way to make an impact.
How do The Elliot VNA Volunteers Serve?
Patient and Family Support
- Provide companionship to hospice patients
- Offer relief to caregivers
- Pick up prescriptions, groceries, etc.
- Compose patient memoirs or letters to loved ones
- Offer Reiki, Music and Pet therapy (requires certification)
- Sit vigil with patients during their final hours
- Recognize Veterans for their service to our Country
- Sing with the volunteer choir
- Facilitate support groups
- Provide 1:1 grief and bereavement support
Administrative and Indirect Support
- Complete data entry, resource organization, and prepare correspondence.
- Assist with events at fundraisers, clinics, and ceremonies.
- Handmake memory items for families and comfort items for patients.
- Promote programs through community outreach and awareness efforts.
We Honor Veterans Program
Honoring veterans at the end of life is a deeply meaningful part of our mission at the Elliot VNA. Through our partnership with the
We Honor Veterans program, we strengthen our ability to deliver veteran-centered hospice care, including specialized support, respectful recognition, and education that ensures no veteran’s service goes unnoticed. Our volunteers play an integral role in this commitment, offering presence, compassion, and heartfelt appreciation to the veterans we serve. We are actively seeking dedicated volunteers to help us continue this important work.
What Kind of Training is Provided?
The goal of our hospice volunteer training is to equip volunteers with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to provide compassionate and effective support to patients and their families.
Training includes:
- Hospice History, Philosophy, Services & Goals
- Accredidation Standards & Regulations
- Patient & Volunteer Safety
- The Role of the Inter-Disciplanary Team
- Volunteer Opportunities, Polices and Procedures
- Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
- Preventing Stress & Burnout
- Spirituality and Dying
- Bereavement & Grief
- Effective Communication Skills
- Patient Rights & Confidentiality
- Universal Precautions
How Do I Apply to Become an Elliot VNA Volunteer?
Onboarding Requirements:
- An in‑person interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
- 10–14 hours of self‑directed online training
- 5 hours of in‑person training
- An occupational health appointment, including Tuberculosis screening and proof of vaccinations*
- Criminal background checks through NH’s departments of Safety and Health & Human Services
- Additional documentation pertaining to competencies and compliance
*Required vaccinations: Tetanus/Tdap, Mumps, Rubeola, Rubella, Varicella and Hepatitis B.
An annual flu vaccination or an approved medical or religious exemption is required.
Questions?
Contact Ashley Springman, our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more.
Here’s What Our Volunteers Say About Their Work
Carol Richards, Nursing Home Patient Visitor, Angel Food to Go, Home Patient Companion
Pat Berube, Admin Support, Guild and Special Events
Sundy Clark, Vigil Team
Roby Robitaille, Bereavement Group Facilitator, Grief Companion, Vigil Team
Joyce Robitaille, Hearts and Harmony Choir, Life’s Journey, Vigil Team
Gail Cherochak, Life’s Journey, Knitting/Sewing Team, Grief Companion
Kathy Holt, Home Patient Companion, Volunteer Newsletter Editor, Handcrafted Items Volunteer
