Volunteer Services

Who are In-Home Volunteers?

A volunteer is simply a friend you haven’t met yet! Volunteers are like neighbors you may have or wish you did have. They are emotionally mature, caring, sensitive, and loving people!

Volunteers believe that you can have the best quality of life possible, regardless of how long that time may be. They focus on your needs and the needs of your family. They approach the end-of-life in an open and direct way and are willing to help you and your family to do the same.

Volunteers are committed, dedicated women and men from all walks of life. They are thoroughly trained and understand their role as volunteers. They communicate with the Mercy staff so that they can support you and your family during a fragile time in your lives.

What do they do?

Volunteers are good listeners. They can talk openly about issues of dying that may be very sensitive and difficult for you to discuss with your family members. Volunteers know how important it is to respect your rights, including confidentiality. Volunteers are good company, whether you want someone just to sit in silence, watch TV together, read a book or newspaper to you, or talk about anything you feel you are up to discuss.

Volunteers may run errands, pick up medical supplies, or do some grocery shopping. They are also available to make trips to hospitals and doctor’s offices. Volunteers do not provide direct patient care. They may help prepare a single meal but will not assist in feeding you. Volunteers may help with very small chores around the home, as their own health permits, but are not assigned to perform housekeeping duties.

Eleventh Hour Vigiling Services

On November 15 – 16, 2008 employees and volunteers of Mercy Care were graced with the opportunity to personally meet and learn from celebrated author, Megory Anderson.

A Theologian, Megory Anderson’s latest book, “Sacred Dying: Creating Rituals for Embracing the End of Life”, has been gaining in popularity the past few years. Both she and Mercy Care believe that death may be inevitable, but dying alone or in fear does not have to be. The workshop facilitated creating a setting where death is experienced as it should be: with honor, respect, and sacredness.

Sacred Dying is a testimonial and handbook for creating a dignified, peaceful, and more sacred end to life. Her book and workshop covered many topics and personal experiences in her work and personal mission to help those who are dying through the transition to our next life.

Mercy Care feels that no one should die alone and no family needs to be alone. One of the newest areas for Mercy Care Volunteers is the introduction of our Eleventh Hour Vigiling Services.

These specially-trained volunteers are present when the patient begins to move closer to death. They are there to help the patient during this transition and to provide comfort and reassurance to the family.

This special band of volunteers is trained extensively in end-of-life rituals that they then bring to families in order to make the passing from life to death a very peaceful and holy time. We are very aware of the many different cultures we serve and are sensitive to all needs. Mercy’s mission is to provide a sacred space by offering a supportive presence that is culturally appropriate.







Are you a Mercy Care patient and need some assistance? We have helpful, eager volunteers standing by waiting to help! Simply call the number below or email our Volunteer Coordinator.

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