End-Of-Life Support

Hospice SLO County’s end-of-life companions provide non-medical, holistic support and comfort to the dying person and their family, which may include education and guidance; emotional and spiritual support; and practical care. 

By offering dedicated non-judgmental support and holistic approaches to end of life care, our volunteers bring a nurturing presence, calming influence and compassionate support for the dying, their caregivers, family and friends. 

End-of-life companions do not replace the services of a medical hospice or home health palliative care; they enhance it by providing an additional layer of support and more hours of coverage for the family.  

Our highly trained volunteers help provide continuity of care and fill in gaps in services by other providers and agencies. Our volunteers do not administer medication or provide skilled nursing care or services. 

Examples of services volunteers may provide: 

• Facilitate informed decision-making discussions and provide education as desired 
• Assistance with understanding Advanced Healthcare Directives and POLST 
• Provide education as desired regarding what to expect during the dying process 
• Assist the individual and their loved ones in planning for how they would like the last days to unfold 
• Assist in creating meaningful legacies and rituals to honor the uniqueness of the dying person as desired 
• Referrals to appropriate community resources and care providers 
• Non-medical comfort assisting measures and physical support for the dying 
• Utilize relaxation techniques to assist in pain and anxiety alleviation 
• Respite for caregiver(s) 
• Based on volunteer availability we attempt to provide round-the-clock presence if requested during the final days of active dying 
• After death care 
• Practical assistance with documentation and notifications, memorials, celebrations of life, remembrance ceremonies 

Support loved ones in the early days of grief 

All services are provided free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.