Brighten lives in our community by volunteering with Tidewell.
Make a Difference
If you have a skill or talent you would like to share as a volunteer that is not listed in a category below, please tell us. Some of our most amazing volunteer programs have started because of innovative and talented volunteers!
Contact us at volunteermail@empathhealth.org to learn more.
Volunteer with Tidewell
Types of Volunteers
Administrative Support Volunteers
Administrative volunteers help in every department at Tidewell Hospice and our parent company Empath Health. Tasks can include filing, manning reception desks, making phone calls, data entry and special projects. These are just some of the ways volunteers can help within our offices.
Tidewell Treasures Resale Shops
Volunteers ring up sales, take and sort donations, price merchandise, stock the floor and more. Various shifts available. Locations in Venice and Sarasota.
Corporate Volunteer Program
Empath Health partners with corporations and local businesses that encourage volunteerism within their workplaces and are interested in supporting our mission. Projects vary according to a group’s size, location preference, employee skills and interests, the time of year, as well as the needs of the Empath Health members.
Crafters
Many projects that increase quality of life for patients and families can be created at home or in community sewing groups. Pillows, blankets, knitted items, legacy books and more can be created wherever you would like and dropped off.
Teen Volunteers
If you are a teen seeking to brighten the lives of people in your community, join us! There are a variety of opportunities to assist with during the day, in the evening, or on weekends at convenient locations. To become a teen volunteer, you must be at least 14 years old.
Patient and Family Volunteers
Make the lives of patients and their families brighter by visiting patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or our inpatient Tidewell Hospice Houses.
Patient Support
Provide support through socialization and visitation to our patients residing at home, in nursing or assisted living facilities, or within our Hospice Houses. Further specialized training is available for those interested in becoming end-of-life doulas.
Bereavement Volunteer Program
Be a supportive presence to those who have lost loved ones. Make bereavement support phone calls as directed by bereavement staff and assist with support groups.
Blue Butterfly Children’s Grief Program
Volunteers help with support groups or other activities for children and teens (and their parents) who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Telephone Support
Communicate with patients and families to provide reassurance, learn of additional needs, and be a listening ear. Daytime and evening opportunities available. Some opportunities to place calls from home. Additional training is required after completion of Patient and Family Support Training.
Complementary Services
Patient and Family Support volunteers comfort patients by providing holistic services such as:
- Reiki – The use of energy therapy techniques to promote relaxation, reduce suffering caused by anxiety/agitation and create a sense of peacefulness.
- Licensed Massage Therapy – The use of hands-on techniques delivered by Florida licensed massage therapists to promote relaxation and reduce pain.
- Music – The use of music as a tool, gift or opportunity to bring peace and comfort. Musicians may perform for patients or share musical interests with patients via music CDs or iPods.
- Caring Touch – gentle hand rub techniques used to promote deep relaxation and relief from pain or discomfort. Caring Touch training required.
- Clowns – learn how to use humor to brighten the days of others. Training provided. Tidewell has the nation’s only Clown Alley!
- Expressive Arts- learn how to use art to help patients with choice, expression, and communication. You do not need to be an artist!
Pet Volunteer Visits
Specially-trained pets and their owners team up to visit patients and families in our care centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or patients’ homes. These pets can make an instant connection, bring joy and comfort and open a door for sharing pet stories and memories.
Veterans Serving Veterans
As a Veteran Serving Veteran volunteer, you will have the honor of extending a warm hand of friendship to military veterans with serious illness and those nearing the end of life. This service offers a special bond only those with military experiences share and a way to pay tribute to those who have served our country – your military brothers and sisters. Visit military veteran patients, take part in special pinning ceremonies, or help record the legacies of fellow veterans.
