Do I need hospice or healthcare experience to volunteer?

Not for many volunteer roles. Caritas will discuss your interests, experience, comfort level, and the preparation required before any placement is considered.

How much time do hospice volunteers usually give?

Time commitments vary by role, patient needs, and program availability. A volunteer coordinator will explain the current expectations before you decide whether to continue.

Will I provide medical or hands-on personal care?

No. Volunteers do not replace licensed clinicians, hospice aides, or family caregivers. They do not give medication, medical advice, bathing, lifting, transferring, or other unapproved hands-on care.

Volunteer with Caritas Hospice

Become a hospice volunteer in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Offer companionship, practical help, or behind-the-scenes support to patients and families.

Start your application View volunteer roles

A volunteer and older adult looking through a photo album together

Volunteer roles

Explore a full range of possible roles. Availability varies, and an application does not guarantee a specific assignment.

Patient companionship

Offer conversation, quiet presence, reading, music, games, or another approved activity.

Conversation
Reading aloud
Games and shared interests

Scheduled in-person visits after training and matching.

Caregiver support

Provide approved companionship so a family caregiver can take a short break or complete an errand.

Calm presence
Short caregiver breaks
Practical encouragement

Scheduled according to family needs and volunteer fit.

Legacy and creative projects

Help with approved memory books, letters, art, music, gardening, or other meaningful projects.

Memory books
Music
Art and gardening

Opportunities depend on patient wishes and current needs.

Veteran-to-veteran support

Connect through shared military experience when a suitable patient match and program opportunity are available.

Companionship
Life-story listening
Recognition activities

Placement depends on veteran status, training, patient preference, and program availability.

Bereavement support

Assist with approved remembrance activities, mailings, or supportive outreach under staff direction.

Remembrance events
Support mailings
Staff-guided outreach

Direct family outreach is available only with role-specific preparation and supervision.

Administrative support

Help the hospice team with approved office projects that do not require access to protected patient information.

Organizing materials
Assembling packets
General office projects

Often suited to predictable weekday availability.

Community outreach

Support approved educational events, resource preparation, and community awareness activities.

Event support
Resource kits
Community education

Event-based and occasional opportunities may be available.

Special skills and certified teams

Share an approved professional, language, creative, or certified pet-therapy skill when it fits a current need.

Bilingual support
Music
Certified pet-therapy teams

Specialized placements require Caritas approval and any applicable active credentials.

Clear boundaries protect everyone

Volunteer boundaries

Volunteers complement the hospice team. They do not replace clinicians, aides, or family caregivers, and they begin only after Caritas approves a role and assignment.

Give medication or medical advice
Lift, transfer, bathe, or provide unapproved personal care
Replace hospice staff or family caregivers
Access protected patient information without authorization
Visit or contact a patient before assignment and approval

Application process

Your application starts a personal review, not an automatic placement. Here is what prospective volunteers can expect.

01
Submit your application
Share your contact details, role interests, availability, and relevant experience through the secure form.
02
Coordinator review
A volunteer coordinator reviews your information and contacts you within five business days.
03
Finish screening
Complete any role-appropriate references, background checks, health requirements, or credentials.
04
Prepare through training
Learn hospice principles, privacy, boundaries, communication, safety, and role-specific practices.
05
Match and begin
Start only after Caritas confirms an appropriate opportunity, assignment, and supervision plan.

Volunteer FAQs

Apply to volunteer

Complete the secure application. A volunteer coordinator will personally review it and contact you about fit and next steps.

Start your application Review volunteer roles

Looking for hospice care or a patient referral? Contact our care team or refer a patient.