Helping Hands | The Importance of Hospice Volunteers | Cindy Outlaw

Hospice care can be a challenging and emotional experience for patients and their families. Hospice volunteers play a critical role in supporting patients and their loved ones during this time.

While nurses and medical professionals provide essential medical care, hospice volunteers offer companionship, emotional support, and practical assistance to patients and their families. From running errands to simply sitting and chatting with patients, volunteers help ensure that patients feel cared for and supported throughout their end-of-life journey.

But hospice volunteering isn’t just about helping patients. It’s also an incredibly rewarding experience for the volunteers themselves. By giving their time and energy to those in need, they’re able to make a genuine difference in the lives of others.

We asked Cindy Outlaw about her volunteer experience at Hospice of the North Coast.

HNC: Please describe your experience as a volunteer for Hospice of the North Coast.
Cindy: “I started at Hospice of the North Coast in March 2020 as a Bereavement Intern while I was in school to earn my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. After graduating, I continued to offer bereavement counseling through the hospice to individuals, groups, and at Pacifica House. I recently helped start the Walking Through Grief group that meets on Thursday mornings in Carlsbad.” 

HNC: What draws you to this kind of work? 
Cindy: “I am honored to be allowed to go through the grieving process with individuals I have met through hospice. I appreciate being able to help bring peace and comfort to others during a very difficult time of life.”

HNC: How long have you been volunteering with HNC?
Cindy: “I just celebrated the end of my third year at Hospice of the North Coast.”

HNC: What kind of impact has volunteering with Hospice of the North Coast had on you?
Cindy: The work of bereavement counseling has made me a better listener than I was in the past. I have learned to more appreciate precious friends and family members as we walk through life together. 

HNC: Why do you choose this work specifically?
Cindy: “I can see the dramatic positive impact of bereavement counseling and I am so happy I get to be a part of that process. “

HNC: Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
Cindy: “I want to thank all those people who have touched my life at Hospice of the North Coast by sharing their stories with me…. stories of their lives and stories of their loved ones.”

If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, consider becoming a hospice volunteer. Not only will you be providing a much-needed service, but you’ll be part of a compassionate and dedicated team helping those in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 👉 Join a team that is compact in size, yet large of heart