Age-related variation in roles performed by hospice volunteers

This study examines age-related variation in the roles performed by volunteers in hospice programs. Volunteers of varying age groupings display much similarity in their motivations for volunteering, how they learned about the opportunity to serve, the levels of satisfaction experienced from serving, and various measures of retention. The age of the volunteer significantly influenced the roles they performed at the hospice. Significantly more younger volunteers provide direct patient care services; and significantly more older volunteers provide both clerical and fund-raising services. Implications for future research and recruitment and retention of hospice volunteers are discussed.