Hospice is an important way for community members to provide care for those who might prefer to die at home but need support to do so. Hospice care can look like many different things – from helping to prepare meals, caring for pets, or offering respite for full-time caregivers. Every person’s journey is unique, and we seek to provide the support needed with skill, compassion and respect.

Hospice services are covered by Medicare at no cost to you. Our organization works with volunteers who are trained and then able to provide support to those in our community with life-limiting illnesses.

Help is just an e-mail or phone call away. You can e-mail our office at Volunteer@hvosc.org or call 474-7775. HVOSC can place a volunteer with anyone who has a life limiting illness whether or not s/he qualifies for medical hospice. Several medical hospices provide services in Somerset County:

Maine General Hospice

Hospice of Eastern Maine

You can call us directly and request services, or another person such as a family member, spouse, doctor, pastor, or even a neighbor can call on your behalf.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have taken a 24 hour training, which we are able to provide. They are caring, concerned community members who will offer emotional and physical support to you or your loved one during this stage of your journey.

We have volunteers who are parents, spouses, caretakers, neighbors, nurses, veterans and those who have perhaps received hospice support themselves during the death of a loved one. One thing they all have in common is a desire to be there for you during this time.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the office. You will need to complete some paperwork and we will need to do a background check. You will then be schedule for the next volunteer training class.

Of course, we need volunteers to do a variety of things! You could help run a support group, provide administrative assistance, join in and support our fund-raising events ~ there are always ways to help. We deeply appreciate our volunteers’ unique talents and skills, whether they offer direct care or support our organization, and community, in other ways.

We offer several different support groups which are open and available to anyone in Somerset County, whether they have received hospice services or not. All groups are free of charge.

These support groups provide comfort and community for those who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one, as well as for caregivers who are in need of some extra care. All groups are led by trained facilitators who help guide through the grieving process towards a ‘new normal’. Space is held compassionately and without judgement for tears, emotions and words shared. 

We also have a lending library at our office and other resources which are available to those who might need them. 

Staff can provide a group for children or teens at school if there are enough participants. Please call our office to discuss this option. Bereavement services can also be provided on a limited basis to shut-ins.