Patient Care

Hospice of Morongo Basin's primary activity is to provide specially trained volunteers who work with professionals to provide emotional and practical support to the dying person and their families, caregivers and loved ones. Volunteers must complete a 24-hour comprehensive training program and background screening. Volunteers are professionally supervised and supported.

Volunteers establish a relationship with the patient and family and do all of the things a wise and sensitive neighbor would do. They are the friends of the family. Volunteers respond to the patient/family needs of the moment. They provide caregiver relief, to stay with the patient on a regular or one-time basis so that family caregivers may go out for business, banking, shopping, having lunch or just taking a break. A volunteer may sit with the patient so the caregiver can take a good long nap, go to church, go to the hairdresser, attend a meeting or meet a friend for lunch. A volunteer is a supportive listener for both patient and family. Volunteers may do errands, grocery shopping, pick up prescriptions, do a post office run, gas up the car, write letters, read to the patient, and enjoy the patient's and caregiver's life stories.

In addition to volunteer services, Hospice of Morongo Basin's professional staff offers one-on-one and family support, case management, caregiver support group, written materials and information and referral.

Whatever a trusted friend of the family would do, your volunteer can do.