Obtaining, Retaining, and Reactivating Resident Care Volunteers at End-of-Life Residential Comfort Care Homes

This study investigates the dynamic of obtaining, retaining, and reactivating end-of-life resident care volunteers at end-of-life residential comfort care homes to enhance volunteer engagement and organizational effectiveness. End-of-life care volunteers play a critical role in providing emotional support to terminally ill individuals and their families, which is essential in community-based care settings. The research addresses the pressing issue of volunteer shortages that can lead to staff burnout and limit the ability of care homes to serve hospice patients effectively. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, including a comprehensive literature review, field observations, and interviews with present, past, and potential volunteers from multiple care comfort care homes across the state. The interview subjects were categorized into five groups: long-term volunteers, short-term volunteers, previous volunteers, potential volunteers, and staff members. This diverse pool of participants and comfort care homes allowed for a nuanced understanding of the motivations for volunteering, the reasons behind the discontinuation of service, and the barriers to engagement. Findings reveal that volunteers, predominantly full-time students and retirees, are driven by diverse motives ranging from personal growth to community engagement. Many former volunteers expressed interest in returning but were hindered by scheduling conflicts, caring for loved ones, or relocation. High satisfaction levels among all interviewed groups indicate the homes' positive impact on the community. This research shows the importance of effective volunteer management, communication, and appreciation in fostering supportive relationships and an environment that attracts and retains volunteers. Insights gained from this study can inform strategies to strengthen volunteer engagement, reduce burnout, and ultimately enhance the quality of care provided in community-run residential care homes.