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“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 support and enhance our services and make a real difference in the lives of our hospice patients and their families. Our volunteers work in almost every department—visiting with patients, assisting at the Kaplan Family Hospice House or the Care Dimensions Hospice House, working in the administration offices, making bereavement calls, taking their therapy dog to visit patients, and so much more. We offer volunteering opportunities throughout our service area in Eastern Massachusetts. 

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 caring they contribute.

Pet Therapy Volunteers

Looking to volunteer with your canine companion?

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Veteran Volunteers

Interested in giving back to our local Veterans?

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The Heart of Hospice

Mary Crowe, interviews Care Dimensions Director of Volunteer Services & Complementary Therapies Sheryl Meehan and longtime volunteer Nancy Usher about the vital role that volunteers play in end-of-life care.

Memories That Matter

Care Dimensions volunteer Meghan Gardner of Bedford, MA, recalls a moving experience that she considers her "calling" to volunteer with hospice patients.

What It Takes to Be a Volunteer

Care Dimensions volunteers are special people. They’re kind, sensitive to others and they’re non-judgmental. They have the ability to listen, are reliable and most importantly, they truly care. Many people would like to be a volunteer, but are not sure what is expected of them, and if they have the right skill set. Because Care Dimensions is a large, multi-faceted organization, we offer varied opportunities and extensive training for volunteers – from direct interaction with patients and families to work in our accounting department. No volunteer is placed in a position that he or she is not trained to do, or is uncomfortable doing.

As a Care Dimensions volunteer, you need to:

  • Commit to being a volunteer approximately two hours per week over the course of one year
  • Attend volunteer training
  • Be dependable
  • Be patient
  • Know your strengths and your limitations, and when to say no

Becoming a Volunteer Today

As a Care Dimensions volunteer, you will be part of an organized and attentive volunteer program that provides extensive training, support and enrichment classes, the flexibility to contribute at all times of the day and week, and many opportunities for camaraderie and fellowship with other volunteers.

Learn more about our ongoing training and support. 

Apply online or contact our Volunteer Services department at 888-283-1722 or email [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you might have.

Pet Therapy Volunteer

Volunteer Bob Doughty talks about his experience as a volunteer at Care Dimensions. Among his roles is as a handler for his pet therapy dog Penny.

Care Dimensions volunteer Laura O’Connor writes about what it's like to be a hospice vounteer.

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Listen

In this episode of Living Forever, Not An Option, hosts Lyn and Mary discuss the role of hospice volunteers with Care Dimensions' Director of Volunteer Services and Complementary Therapies, Sheryl Meehan.

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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.

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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.

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View more Care Dimensions Stories

Voices of Care Blog Read more from Voices of Care

‘Sweet’ Pet Therapy Team Brings Joy to Hospice Patients

September 9, 2024 by Lisa Conti

For 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.

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Volunteering for Hospice has Changed my Life

April 22, 2024 by Nancy Littlehale

A long-time believer in hospice for end-of-life care, Nancy Littlehale has a new appreciation for hospice as a volunteer.

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Kindness Comes Full Circle for Hospice Volunteer

January 4, 2024 by Lisa Conti

Having been on the receiving end of kind acts during difficult times, Michael Person is giving back as a hospice volunteer for Care Dimensions.

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Pet Therapy Volunteers Bring Joy and Peace

April 18, 2023 by Nancy Donaldson, Care Dimensions Volunteer

Pet 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.

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Paying it Forward as a Hospice Volunteer

September 14, 2022 by Susan Phillips

Grateful 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.

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Volunteers Vital to Hospice Operations

April 18, 2022 by Sheryl Meehan

As we observe National Volunteer Week, Care Dimensions thanks our volunteers who perform many tasks that help hospice patients and families.

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Continuing Meaningful Work as a Hospice Volunteer

February 8, 2022 by Alan Wichlei

After helping nonprofit organizations throughout his career, Alan Wichlei found rewards in retirement as a Care Dimensions hospice volunteer.

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Still Serving as Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer

January 11, 2022 by Lisa Conti

Vietnam War veteran Jeff Najarian is passionate about serving other veterans, including a 100-year-old who receives hospice at home from Care Dimensions.

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How I got to be Somebody’s Angel

September 20, 2021 by Meghan Gardner

A Care Dimensions hospice volunteer listens to a patient with dementia and reaps a great reward.

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Lola, Dog Volunteer, Ever on Duty – a Remembrance

August 25, 2021 by Robin Ellington

Volunteers Kathy Sylvanowicz and Lola, the chocolate Lab, were Care Dimensions volunteers for three years, visiting hospice patients and bringing them joy.

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Anyone—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 2024 | Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 | 888-283-1722 | 978-774-7566

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