Bristol Hospice is seeking musicians of all kinds to visit with our patients and play and/or sing to/with them in a one-on-one setting.
As a Music Therapy Hospice Volunteer, you will provide compassionate care and emotional support to our patients through music. You will use your musical talents to enhance the quality of life for patients nearing the end of life, offering comfort, relaxation, and emotional expression. This role involves working closely with the hospice care team to address the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of patients and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide Music Therapy: Play live music (vocals, guitar, piano, etc.) or curated playlists for hospice patients to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and offer emotional comfort.
Support Emotional Well-being: Use music to help patients express emotions and reflect on their lives, creating a soothing environment.
Collaborate with Hospice Team: Work alongside nurses, social workers, and chaplains to identify patient needs and tailor musical interventions accordingly.
Maintain Boundaries: Establish clear, compassionate boundaries to ensure patients feel supported without overwhelming them.
Family Engagement: When appropriate, offer music therapy sessions for families to help ease emotional burdens during this challenging time.
Maintain Documentation: Record sessions, patient responses, and any significant interactions in accordance with hospice guidelines.
Attend Training: Participate in volunteer training and ongoing education in hospice care.
Qualifications:
- Proficiency in a musical instrument or singing.
- Empathy, patience and a genuine desire to support patients and families at the end of life.
- Ability to communicate effectively and listen attentively to patients' needs.
- Familiarity with a wide range of musical styles preferred.
- Experience with or a strong interest in hospice care and/or music therapy (formal music therapy certificate is not required but is a plus).
Commitment:
- We work with your schedule!
- Most volunteers start with 1 hour per week and increase as they are able!
- Complete necessary onboarding, TB test, training and Volunteer Orientation prior to seeing patients.
- Pass background check and drug screen.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a short inquiry form by clicking HERE. Our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out within 1 business day to complete a short phone screening to discuss next steps.
