From bedside singers to a teenage pianist, HopeHealth volunteers use music to create connection, spark memory and bring comfort to patients and families at the end of life.
Volunteers
The silence between notes: A hospice companion’s story
For months, a HopeHealth volunteer earned the trust and affection of a patient with dementia. One afternoon, music unlocked memory, language — and joy.
My Life, My Story: Brown medical students learn the art of listening
Brown University medical students partner with HopeHealth volunteers to practice the art of listening — and shape more compassionate care for future patients.
A different kind of care: A retired doctor becomes a grief support volunteer
Before retiring from medical practice, Dr. Chuck Sherman regularly referred patients to HopeHealth. Now, he’s a volunteer with our grief support team.
Beyond the Story: What Hospice Taught Me About Life and Dignity
A journalist reflects on his transformative journey as a hospice volunteer, sharing moving stories of courage, compassion, and the power of human connection.
“The More You Give”: A Reiki Volunteer on the Gifts of Hospice Care
Hospice volunteer Marilyn reflects on 15 years of offering Reiki, comfort and compassion — and the joy she’s found in return.
“It’s like a miracle”: A volunteer helps unlock memories through music
When words fade, music remains. Here’s how one volunteer brings hope and happiness to patients with dementia, one familiar tune at a time.
The farewell gift: A hospice volunteer helps a son say goodbye
In his father’s final days, a son made an unexpected connection with a hospice volunteer. Their conversation left a lifelong impact.
“Dying is an important part of living”: Lessons from a hospice volunteer
Hospice volunteers give so much of themselves to help patients and families. Often, they learn these life lessons along the way.
Daughter, friend, “caregiver to the caregiver”: The path & passion of a hospice volunteer
Joan’s mother, father and dear friend passed away on HopeHealth’s care. With each experience, she discovered another aspect of hospice — and another way she wanted to pay it forward.