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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
Stay Informed
Veteran Volunteers
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.
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.
More Podcasts HereStories 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 2025 | Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 | 888-283-1722 | 978-774-7566 |