Hospice volunteering with Intermountain Health: Bring comfort to patients and families this holiday season

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteering with hospice can bring peace, presence, and comfort to patients and families when they need it most. And right now, Intermountain Health is looking for more people like you.

In this season of giving, it’s easy to get caught up in gifts and gatherings. But the most meaningful gift you can offer might be something simpler: your time.

Hospice volunteers across Colorado and Utah are quietly changing lives with small acts of compassion. A warm conversation. A few hours of caregiver relief. A handmade memory bear for a grieving child. These moments matter deeply to patients and families navigating life’s final chapter.

“Whether it is a last-minute delivery of needed patient supplies, a memory bear made, a respite visit to relieve the pressure of the caregiver or a grief backpack that we deliver to a child who has lost a parent, our volunteers meet these needs and so much more,” said Saralyn Broadbent, a hospice volunteer coordinator in Ogden, Utah. “The impact the volunteers make is felt and makes a lasting difference for good.”

Paige, a high school student volunteer also shared: “Volunteering has given me a new perspective on the sanctity of life and the importance of being with people. It’s a special thing to be part of.”

This December, Intermountain Health is inviting more community members – especially retirees and students considering careers in healthcare – to consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Your presence can bring comfort in ways that go far beyond words.

Why hospice volunteers are essential to patient care

Hospice is about caring, providing dignity, connection, and comfort to people in the final months of life. Volunteers are a vital part of this end-of-life care, helping families feel supported and less alone.

Volunteers are a vital part of that care team. They sit with patients, craft keepsakes, and simply show up, which can make all the difference.

“I’ve seen our volunteers sit with patients for hours each day, for months until a patient passes, giving freely of their time as they talk and interact with both the family members and the patient,” Saralyn said. “This has allowed for a much-needed break from full-time caregiving to refresh themselves and then be able to come back and be a better, more rested and patient caregiver.”

How volunteering helps future healthcare professionals gain experience

If you're between 18–25 and pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, social work, or behavioral health, hospice volunteering gives you valuable patient-facing experience, along with a deeper sense of empathy and purpose. 

“I got into hospice volunteering to learn how to care for people in their times of great need,” said Evan, another Intermountain Health volunteer. “Talking to and being able to put a comforting smile on a patient's face is all of the payment that I need.”

For Pratiskshya, a former nurse from Nepal, volunteering helped her stay connected to healthcare while adapting to a new culture. “I joined the volunteering team with the hope of engaging in meaningful work and gaining exposure to the healthcare system here in Logan,” she explained.

During her volunteer time, she’s been working on the Memory Bear Project – a unique initiative that supports grieving families by creating keepsake teddy bears from the clothing or personal belongings of patients. 

“These bears serve as tangible reminders of their loved ones during the grieving process,” Pratiskshya said. “This experience has shown me how compassion, creativity, and human connection play a great role in supporting others through grief."

Why retirees are perfect for hospice volunteer roles

Many of our most experienced and impactful volunteers are retirees. You bring life experience, flexibility, and a natural ability to connect.

“Our volunteers range in age from the early twenties to the eighties with individual service years from 1 year to 30 years,” said Saralyn.

“My volunteers come together each month and share the stories of their visits and the service that they give to our patients in our communities,” she adds. “This is an opportunity to see the growth from brand new volunteer to seasoned volunteer and to learn from each other how to better assist our hospice team.”

Why volunteering during the holidays is the perfect time to start

As the holidays approach, many of us reflect on what really matters: relationships, purpose, and connection. Volunteering with hospice offers a way to give back in one of the most meaningful ways possible.

You might hold someone’s hand during a quiet moment. You might deliver a handmade keepsake that brings a family to tears. You might run a simple errand that makes life easier for a tired caregiver.

And in the process, you may find that the life you change… is your own.

What hospice volunteers do: From companionship to keepsakes

Volunteers can choose from a variety of roles based on interests, experience, and comfort level. Common roles include:

• Companionship visits with patients and families
• Respite care so family caregivers can rest
• Memory Bear or hand mold creation
• Office support or help with deliveries
• Grief support through cards, calls, or outreach projects

Whether you’re interested in patient visits, creating keepsakes, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you on our team.

Volunteer opportunities in Colorado and Utah

We’re currently welcoming new volunteers in both Colorado and Utah, and we’d love to talk with you. 

Apply or learn more about Colorado volunteer opportunities

OR

Apply or learn more about Utah volunteer opportunities

Remember, the greatest gifts aren’t always wrapped

You don’t need medical training or a wide-open schedule to make a difference. You just need a compassionate heart and the willingness to be there for someone when it matters most.

Have questions? Ready to apply? We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to meet you.