Elara Caring Hospice Volunteers Share Their Experiences

Elara Caring’s hospice volunteers make a positive impact in the lives of our hospice patients. We’re pleased to share the experiences of a few of our incredible volunteers and highlight the important work they do. Thank you, volunteers!

Kim, Indiana
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because it gives me an opportunity to use my gift of sewing to bring a little bit of comfort to someone who needs it. As a volunteer, being allowed the opportunity to give a little of my time for a hospice organization like Elara Caring is of the highest possible honor.”

Angela, Ohio
“Elara Caring has a great volunteer program in place that is very flexible, allowing me to balancing my volunteer time along with a full-time job and my family. The volunteer work is very fulfilling, and Elara does a great job making sure you are properly trained and prepared for the time you will spend with your patients. The volunteer coordinator, Melissa, does a fantastic job making you feel comfortable and confident with the volunteer process.”

Camille, Indiana
“I enjoy catching up and checking in with people during my weekly calls. I also had a lot of fun helping out at some of the in-person events and hope to help out at more in the future. Everyone who I have met who works at Elara Caring has been so kind, patient and understanding. Volunteering at Elara Caring has been such a meaningful experience.”

Michael, Ohio
“I meet some very kind and loving people in this field, and it is great knowing that I can try to make someone’s life better.”

Ralph, Indiana
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because I can do it from home.”

Tommy, Indiana
“I was afforded unique opportunities to meet with patients with different background. My patients taught me valuable life lessons based on their own experiences. I’d recommend volunteering at Elara Caring because of the enjoyment of helping out, as well as the relationships you make from the program.”

Libby, Michigan
“Volunteering at Elara Caring fulfills a desire to give comfort, tranquility and care to those facing terminal illness. My weekly “tuck-in calls” done with compassionate spirit provide comfort to patients. It has improved my listening skills and ability to understand. It is an honor to be accepted into people’s lives during a very emotional and difficult time.

I’d recommend volunteering at Elara Caring because you are doing good for others and the community. It provides a sense of accomplishment. The role as a volunteer gives a sense of pride and identity. The personal connection and support allow a greater level of end-of-life care satisfaction for patients. My volunteer coordinator goes above and beyond to provide the highest level of care to our patients. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and caring team.”

Rhoda, Ohio
“Volunteering gives me the opportunity to spend in-person time with others and to be present for them. There is an authentic atmosphere of compassion at this agency. An extensive effort is made to make certain the volunteer is matched with the individual he or she can best serve. It’s a joy and a blessing to be part of Elara Caring.”

Linda, Ohio
“I can support the efforts of Elara Caring to provide cherished moments for clients and their families beyond their medical and personal care. Opening your hands and heart to others enables their best moments to live on.”

Olivia, Ohio
“I appreciate the mission of Elara Caring and feel that the work is important for the coping process for patients and their families. The environment is positive and uplifting. The ability to help others during a difficult time is very rewarding.”

Nancy, Texas
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because I love to socialize. It’s my time to get out of the house and feel like I’m contributing to the wellbeing of others. It’s something positive that will bring positivity to your life knowing you are helping where it’s needed.”

Jackie, Ohio
“It feels good to help out patients in need. I personally never had great parents in my life, so I also love talking to an older person about his or her experiences throughout their lives. Elara Caring assures you’re comfortable with your job responsibilities and such. My volunteer coordinator often visits with me because we both enjoy meeting with the patients. I feel Elara caring is a tight-knit company, and everyone is very welcoming and friendly.”

Francis, Indiana
“I love interacting with patients and learning more about them. Volunteering is a great way to meet wonderful people and make a difference in your community. I’m super grateful to be a volunteer here.”

Bonnie, Ohio
“I feel that I am making a small contribution to our office staff, thereby freeing them for other work. I admire the dedication of all those involved in the hospice experience. The Akron office personnel are well trained, organized and friendly, as are the nursing staff who are dedicated to their patients’ care and comfort. As a volunteer, there is a choice as to whether you wish to work in the office or in patient visitations.  Elara is very appreciative of their volunteers.”

Brooke, Ohio
“It gives me satisfaction to bring comfort and care to our patients. Volunteering provides a sense of fulfillment to make people feel less alone. It is very flexible with one’s schedule and the people are very pleasant to be with!”

Nicolette, Michigan
“I’d recommend volunteering at Elara Caring because it is a great opportunity to get volunteer hours in. The hours are flexible.”

Stevie, Indiana
“I have so much fun getting to know the residents and learning about their lives. It’s rewarding; the residents are always happy to see me!”

James, Ohio
“I’m able to help complete tasks that would take time away from an office employee’s day-to-day duties. It’s a way to support a phenomenal organization and help patients and employees by giving them your time.”

Roberta, Texas
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because I strongly feel the service they provide as hospice is more than a job; it’s a mission. I saw how much difference hospice made in the end stages of my father’s life and felt I wanted to help.  Additionally, the people I have come to know at Elara Caring are kind, nice and dedicated. I’d recommend volunteering at Elara Caring because, in addition to feeling that the work is worthwhile, there is good variety in the tasks I do, and I enjoy my tasks. I feel the staff supports each other and they work well as a team.”

Megan, Ohio
“Volunteering gives me the ability to connect and engage with others in the community and provide compassionate care to those entering end of life. The staff members create an inclusive environment that engages their volunteers. The positive environment creates a sense of belonging which ultimately results in more compassionate patient care.”

Angie, Ohio
“Elara Caring truly values its volunteers and makes the volunteer experience special. I have met many inspiring people at Elara Caring, made personal connections and gained new skills and experiences.”

Maureen, Indiana
“End of life can be a very lonely journey. I have a desire to share in that journey by providing comfort to both the client and family. Each client I have met has touched my life in a different way. I have been blessed to share just a small portion of their story. I have met amazing families who openly reminisce, share pictures and stories of their family member. Each member has a favorite or unique story of success, failure, adventure or love they want to share.”

Katie, Ohio
“I have been volunteering with Elara Caring since I was 17, and it has meant so much to me. I’ve been able to see patients, and watching their faces light up when you walk into their rooms is a feeling that can’t be explained. It helped on my college applications for both my undergraduate and graduate programs as well. Being able to help the people who are reaching the end of their life is so rewarding. You are giving these people the happiness and comfort they deserve. It has taught me so much empathy and has increased my want to help other people. I absolutely would recommend volunteering with Elara Caring!”

Mary Ellen, Ohio
“I had been looking for volunteer opportunities for several months throughout 2021. I am retired and wanted to do something that was helpful to others. By the end of the year, I saw an opportunity that sounded very inviting; it entailed sewing Memory Bears for families of hospice patients. I certainly did not know anything about this venture and had so many questions filtering through my head, but I wanted more information. The family of a patient offers clothing from the patient, perhaps a few special shirts or blouses. Once I get the clothing pieces, I can make the bears from a pattern. Making a Memory Bear is so meaningful to the families who have lost their loved one. It’s a special gift to remind them of someone that made a difference in their lives and is like offering them a ‘hug’ of good memories. I really enjoy volunteering at Elara because I can do it in my own time, and it is something to do at home.”

Misty, Indiana
“Volunteering at Elara Caring makes me feel good on many levels. I enjoy spending time with people and knowing that my visit can make their day better. It is a wonderful way to give back to the community and to individuals. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet new people and share time with them. I’d recommend volunteering at Elara Caring because they have been a wonderful support from day one. They are encouraging and accommodating, and giving your time to others in this way is good for everyone.”

Carl, Ohio
“Serving at Elara Caring has allowed me to make so many good memories and connections like never before. It helps one learn so much about other people with whom they wouldn’t regularly interact with due to their conditions. In general, one does a huge service for the patients by simply just being there for them and talking with them.”

Angela, Michigan
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because I can interact with and hear stories of people who may be lonely and are interesting to learn about.”

Melissa, Indiana
“It makes me feel like I’m making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic by making sure our hospice patients have everything they need for the week and don’t have any COVID symptoms. It’s a nice break from everything else going on in my life, and it’s rewarding to know you’re helping hospice patients stay safe and comfortable. I’ve been volunteering virtually throughout the pandemic so it’s a very convenient and enjoyable way to offer some of my time.”

Mary, Indiana
“Being a volunteer at Elara allows me to engage with patients directly in an impactful way. Hospice is fulfilling because you’re bringing joy to people in a time of need and vulnerability; this really means the world to these patients. Elara is a safe space to spend time with people, and I feel very appreciated each day by just being myself. Volunteering at Elara is a really good way to donate your time and get exposure to medical care. This is a great place for people who are interested in medicine, or just interested in making a difference. There are a lot of different opportunities in various places. The patients are always very grateful for anything you can do for them, regardless of your interests.”

Jenna, Michigan
“Volunteering is a great way to get out in the community and help with companionship. It’s very fulfilling to spend time with everyone in and out of the office.”

Terry, Ohio
“I love serving and bringing a little sunshine into these choice spirits of our Heavenly Father. I enjoy going weekly to learn their stories and the things I can gain from their experiences. Serving is a two-way street; we each gain knowledge and wisdom from one another. By serving others you will find a joy that only comes by giving your time to others. You will gain so much. Your love for others will grow tenfold.”

Anne, Ohio
“I enjoy volunteering at Elara Caring because I meet wonderful people.”

Áine, Michigan
“Volunteering allows me to give some joy to Elara’s patients. Seeing them so happy with my services is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever experienced.”

Apply to volunteer and make a difference in your community!