One popular New Year’s resolution for many people is to volunteer your time more frequently.

If the natural high of volunteering is something you’re interested in, Tricia Worrall, Volunteer Coordinator for HCI Hospice Care, says hospice is something that can be very rewarding. “Often patients and families can benefit so much from volunteers. That maybe they offer companionships, it’s maybe just a social visit. Or sometimes we’ll have volunteers that will sit with patients, and that allows loved ones time to run errands, or you know maybe even get some needed rest. Sometimes that’s very important when you are being a caregiver. The volunteers really compliment, they really support the hospice team in providing that care, so they’re very much considered part of the hospice team.”

Worrall adds, Medicare requires hospice providers to have 5% of their patient care provided by volunteers. She says that helps highlight how important volunteers are to hospice care. For people interested in volunteering, Worrall assures you they will always be able to find something for you to do. “There’s just such a wide variety of opportunities to serve as a volunteer. And I just think that those that have a heart to serve, they’re going to find that serving in hospice is probably one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences that they would have.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact HCI at 515-465-4705. To learn more, find the Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Worrall at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.