National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation Celebrates National Volunteer Week, Honoring the Vital Contributions of Hospice Volunteers
WASHINGTON, D.C. [April 16, 2025] — Ahead of National Volunteer Week next week, and in celebration of National Volunteer Month this April, the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is shining a light on the often-unsung heroes of hospice: volunteers. These compassionate individuals are central to the mission of NPHI’s member providers nationwide, offering their time, energy, and hearts to patients and families during life’s most tender and vulnerable moments.
NPHI member organizations rely on nearly 30,000 volunteers to keep their programs running—almost matching the number of full- and part-time staff employed across its national member network. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of hospice volunteers contribute millions of hours of service annually. This deep tradition of volunteerism isn’t just symbolic—it’s built into the very structure of hospice care. All Medicare-certified hospices are required to have volunteers actively involved in patient and family support, reflecting the core values of compassion and community care that define the field.
Hospice volunteers fill a wide range of roles that extend far beyond bedside companionship. Examples include:
- Patient Support & Companionship – Reading stories, listening to memories, holding hands, or simply being a quiet presence.
- Caregiver Respite – Sitting with patients so loved ones can rest, go to appointments, or take a break.
- Everyday Help – Running errands, walking pets, helping with groceries or light chores.
- Creative Comforts – Playing music, facilitating art projects, recording life stories, and even crafting memory quilts.
- Administrative Support – Volunteering in the office, helping with outreach, and supporting fundraising events.
And sometimes, they help make magic happen.
Whether it’s arranging for a patient’s beloved dog to visit one last time, organizing a backyard wedding for a dying parent, or planning a hot air balloon ride for someone determined to feel the sky on their face again—hospice volunteers often play a key role in making final wishes a reality. In some remarkable instances, patients have even fulfilled lifelong dreams like skydiving or taking one last ride on a Harley Davidson. Volunteers are there, every step of the way, turning what seems impossible into a powerful goodbye.
“You never hear anybody complain about their time volunteering in hospice—ever,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of NPHI. “Every story I hear is filled with purpose, pride, and joy. Some of our members’ volunteers have been with them for decades because the experience is so meaningful. It becomes part of who they are. That kind of service—that kind of heart—is what changes lives.”
Carole Fisher, President added: “Volunteers ensure that patients receive more than care—they receive presence, empathy, and human connection. They bring comfort and dignity to people during their hour of need. They ensure that no one feels alone.”
Hospice volunteers don’t just give—they receive. Many report that their experiences are among the most meaningful of their lives. And in a world that moves quickly, becoming a hospice volunteer is a way to slow down, connect deeply, and truly matter to someone.
You don’t need a medical background—just compassion, reliability, and a desire to support others. Hospice organizations offer robust training and match volunteers with roles suited to their time and talents.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Reach out to your local hospice to ask about opportunities in your area.
- Use NPHI’s Provider Locator Map to connect with a member hospice near you.
- Call 844-GET-NPHI if there isn’t a provider near you on our map—we’ll help connect you with an organization in your region.
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