How can we help?
888-283-1722
Call us now at 888-283-1722
24/7 Referrals and Nursing Support
“I did not choose this work, it chose me—and I'm so glad it did, because this has been the most remarkable experience I've ever had.”
—Care Dimensions volunteer
Volunteers
Volunteers
Hospice volunteers make a real difference
Care Dimensions volunteers enhance our services, making a real difference in the lives of our hospice patients and their families. You don’t need to be an expert in hospice to be a great volunteer. You need to be kind, open-minded, and willing to learn.
Our volunteers are motivated by a desire to give something back, but soon find that the emotional and spiritual rewards they receive far outweigh the time and care they contribute.
Volunteer stories
Pet Therapy Volunteers
Veteran Volunteers
What does a volunteer do at Care Dimensions?
Volunteers serve in a variety of roles, usually committing about 2 hours per week. We have volunteers across eastern Massachusetts; you’ll be matched to a location that’s convenient for you. These roles include:
- Visiting with patients and families where they live, offering companionship and support.
- Assisting at the Kaplan Family Hospice House or the Care Dimensions Hospice House. This may include greeting visitors as they check in, tending to garden areas, or visiting patients in their rooms.
- Working in non-patient settings. This includes administrative roles in our office or supporting one of our community events.
Specialized volunteer roles include:
- Pet Therapy: There’s something about spending time with a dog, especially when facing the stress or uncertainty of hospice. Click here to learn more about this program.
- Reiki: This complementary therapy offers hands-on relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote a feeling of well-being.
- Veteran to Veteran: Veterans in our care often benefit from visits with others who have served our country.
- End-of-Life Doulas: This program adds a layer of support on top of clinical care.
- Bedside Vigil: These volunteers sit with patients who are actively dying, ensuring they are not alone during this time.
Hear from staff and volunteers on the impact volunteers have on patients and their families.
Dave Houle talks about his role as a pet therapy hospice volunteer with Care Dimensions. He and his dog Dolce visit with patients and visitors to bring smiles and relieve stress.
Training and Support
Every Care Dimensions volunteer completes a comprehensive 16-hour virtual training program, which covers topics such as:
- Care Dimensions’ philosophy
- Tips for working with patients
- Grief and loss
- Safety precautions
*Specialized volunteer roles may require additional training or certification.
Volunteer appreciation events and meet-ups are held throughout the year to build camaraderie and allow people to trade stories about their experiences. In addition, our expert team of volunteer coordinators is available to answer any questions you may have.
Looking to Learn More?
If you’re ready to sign up, click here for our volunteer application. A member of our team will be in touch soon to talk about training.
If you’re looking to learn more about the program or have some questions answered, our team can be reached at 888-283-1722 or by email: [email protected].
View our Frequently Asked Questions here.
Stories View more Care Dimensions Stories
Gail Thompson has been volunteering for Care Dimensions since 1980 and participates in the annual Walk for Hospice fundraiser.
Community volunteers Henrietta Goodwin and Marilyn Brauss donate their talents to create prayer squares and quilts that are given to patients at Care Dimensions’ Kaplan Family Hospice House.
Voices of Care Blog Read more from Voices of Care
Finding Purpose in Hospice Care: My 45 Years as a Volunteer
May 16, 2025 by Gail ThompsonOver the past four decades, Gail Thompson's connection to hospice has gone from personal loss to profound purpose. She shares the rewards of supporting families through life's most difficult transitions as a hospice volunteer.
Continue readingHospice Volunteer: Pet Therapy Work ‘Worth More Than Money’
January 29, 2025 by Lisa ContiCare Dimensions Hospice Volunteer Brian Cafarella discusses the joys and rewards of visiting patients with his pet therapy dog, Patriot.
Continue readingA Tribute to Patrick: More Than a Therapy Dog
October 25, 2024 by Care DimensionsRemembering Care Dimensions' first therapy dog, who brought comfort and joy to countless hospice patients and their families.
Continue reading‘Sweet’ Pet Therapy Team Brings Joy to Hospice Patients
September 9, 2024 by Lisa ContiFor Care Dimensions volunteer Dave Houle, his dog, Dolce, is not just a best friend but half of a team that benefits hospice patients and their families in Greater Boston.
Continue readingVolunteering for Hospice has Changed my Life
April 22, 2024 by Nancy LittlehaleA long-time believer in hospice for end-of-life care, Nancy Littlehale has a new appreciation for hospice as a volunteer.
Continue readingKindness Comes Full Circle for Hospice Volunteer
January 4, 2024 by Lisa ContiHaving been on the receiving end of kind acts during difficult times, Michael Person is giving back as a hospice volunteer for Care Dimensions.
Continue readingPet Therapy Volunteers Bring Joy and Peace
April 18, 2023 by Nancy Donaldson, Care Dimensions VolunteerPet therapy can bring a bit of happiness to those who need it. Care Dimensions Volunteer Nancy Donaldson shares her experience of visiting hospice patients with her dog Wilson.
Continue readingPaying it Forward as a Hospice Volunteer
September 14, 2022 by Susan PhillipsGrateful for the support her family received from hospice team members, Susan Phillips is using lessons she learned to help patients and families as a Care Dimensions hospice volunteer.
Continue readingVolunteers Vital to Hospice Operations
April 18, 2022 by Sheryl MeehanAs we observe National Volunteer Week, Care Dimensions thanks our volunteers who perform many tasks that help hospice patients and families.
Continue readingContinuing Meaningful Work as a Hospice Volunteer
February 8, 2022 by Alan WichleiAfter helping nonprofit organizations throughout his career, Alan Wichlei found rewards in retirement as a Care Dimensions hospice volunteer.
Continue readingStill Serving as Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer
January 11, 2022 by Lisa ContiVietnam War veteran Jeff Najarian is passionate about serving other veterans, including a 100-year-old who receives hospice at home from Care Dimensions.
Continue readingHow I got to be Somebody’s Angel
September 20, 2021 by Meghan GardnerA Care Dimensions hospice volunteer listens to a patient with dementia and reaps a great reward.
Continue readingLola, Dog Volunteer, Ever on Duty – a Remembrance
August 25, 2021 by Robin EllingtonVolunteers Kathy Sylvanowicz and Lola, the chocolate Lab, were Care Dimensions volunteers for three years, visiting hospice patients and bringing them joy.
Continue readingAnyone—patient, family, care provider—can make a referral. Fill in the form online or call us today.
Since 1978, Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore, has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. As the non-profit leader in advanced illness care, we offer services in over 100 communities in Massachusetts.
Copyright 2026 | Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 | 888-283-1722 | 978-774-7566 |