Who are Huron Hospice Volunteer Visitors?

Extensively screened and trained volunteers provide non-medical support and comfort to individuals living with a life-limiting progressive illness or injury and to their families in the privacy of their own homes. Volunteers offer practical assistance, emotional support, and respite for caregivers, and encouragement of client’s interests and hobbies.

This service provides the client and family with the extra support required to cope with the life-limiting illness. It is not intended to replace the need for professional health care services. The criteria for program eligibility is a terminal diagnosis.

Referrals can be made by anyone including (but not limited to) family members, Community Care Access Centre, health care professionals, clergy, friends or neighbours. We serve all individuals living with a life-limiting progressive illness regardless of age, gender, ethnic background or diagnosis. Services are provided in the client’s home, long-term care facilities, retirement homes and hospitals to ensure continuity of care.
There is no fee for services.

Here are some of the ways in which Volunteer Visitors have provided support...

• Go for a walk • Listen • Go out for coffee or tea • Play cards or board games • Shop for groceries • Errands • Help prepare meal • Bake together • Watch TV or movie • Make phone calls • Help write letters • Assist with child care • Paint or draw • Enjoy a hobby • Work on relaxation • Listen to music together • Play an instrument • Help care for pet • Plan an event • Pray together  • Go shopping • Gardening • Set up a bird feeder • Sing together • Share your photographs • Record life experiences • Arts and crafts • Go on an “outing” • Laugh together • Give a manicure/pedicure • Brush/style hair • Read together • Create a scrap book, memory box or video • Bring in flowers from the garden • Help with memorial/funeral arrangements • Give a light foot/hand or back massage