“Volunteers are an essential part of what we do at Four Seasons and are truly the heart of our organization.”
“We could not do what we do for our communities without the invaluable services they provide. Four Seasons Volunteers serve in roles that support our staff and that provide direct support to our patients and families. Their passion and dedication help to co-create the best care experience possible for those we serve and we are forever grateful to have them as part of our team.”
– Sheri Merrill, Director of Employee & Volunteer Solutions
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers provide a variety of services to our patients, families, and staff. From providing companionship to people facing serious illness, to assisting with community outreach or providing office support, Volunteers are an essential part of our Four Seasons team. There is something for everyone at Four Seasons!
Patient & Family Support
Caregiver Respite in Home Care Setting
- Visit with patients on a scheduled basis for companionship and emotional support.
- Provide respite for caregivers to make appointments, staying with patients in the home. Shifts are up to three-hours, once a week.
Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
- Visit assigned patient(s) on a weekly basis.
- Provide socialization and supportive presence for patients residing in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities.
Elizabeth House
- Perform tasks to ensure comfort and care in a homelike environment.
- Provide emotional support, companionship, and assistance to patients as appropriate.
- Distribute meals, help stock linen closets, and keep common areas tidy.
- Assist staff in answering patient call bells and visitor questions as needed.
Transportation & Errands
- Run errands for an assigned patient on an as-needed basis.
- Transport assigned patient to medical appointments, shopping, etc. (Must meet minimum requirements for auto liability coverage.)
Pet Therapy
- Visit assigned patients in facilities.
- Visit patients at Elizabeth House.
- Pet therapy animals must be trained, registered and insured.
Hair Stylists
- Visit patients in home care settings and provide haircuts on an as-needed basis.
- All Hair Stylist Volunteers must have appropriate licensure/certification as required by North Carolina state law.
We Honor Veterans
- Connect veteran patients with veteran volunteers.
- Assist in honoring our veteran patients with a Pinning Ceremony.
More Opportunities
Administrative Support
- Provide office support for one of our administrative offices. This can be done in-office or from home.
- Administrative tasks may include copying, filing, data entry, mailings, making phone calls, etc.
Facilities & Maintenance
- Deliver paper goods and supplies at one of our offices.
- Assist with light handiwork and maintenance jobs.
Home Stores
- Serve in a fun, team-oriented retail environment in downtown Hendersonville, Arden, and Brevard.
- Help to receive, price, and sort donations.
- Work on the sales floor as a cashier or help to keep the store neat, clean, and well-stocked.
Baking
- Bake homemade goodies for special events throughout the year.
Sewing
- Sew, Knit or crochet a variety of different comfort items and quilts for patients. Create sewn memory items for families of patients served by Four Seasons..
Gardening at Elizabeth House
- Help maintain Elizabeth House gardens by weeding, dead-heading, and mulching.
- Fill bird feeders and clean bird houses as needed.
Greeting at Elizabeth House
- Greet and welcome visitors in the front lobby of Elizabeth House.
- Orient family and visitors to the facility.
Hospitality Team at Elizabeth House
- Make homemade goodies 1 – 2 times per month to share with Elizabeth House patients, families, and staff from an old-fashioned tea cart.
- Decorate Elizabeth House seasonally for holidays.
Faith & Community Representatives
- Serve as the Four Seasons representative within their congregation and to the local community.
- Ensure awareness and understanding of Four Seasons services and how to access our care.
Special Events, Fundraising, Community Outreach
- Help staff special events and fundraising events throughout the year.
- Assist with prep work leading up to the event.
- Serve on committees to plan, organize, and facilitate events.
Facility Activities
- Visit assigned nursing home or assisted living facility as scheduled.
- Help lead group resident activities such as bingo, art, and music.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
What is the time commitment involved for volunteers?
It’s up to you and what works for your schedule. Most volunteers average 4 to 12 hours each month but some serve up to 40 hours or more.
What training is required?
Four Seasons will provide all the training you need through Volunteer Orientation and Patient & Family Support Training if you would like to work with patients and families. Learn more about orientation and training here.
Where would I work as a volunteer?
It is up to the volunteer to determine how far they wish to travel. We provide care in patient homes and facilities across 14 counties of Western North Carolina. We also have office locations in each service region, as well as three Home Store locations. Learn more about our service area here.
Will I be paid or reimbursed for mileage?
No, we do not offer mileage reimbursement or payment. However, you may choose to track your mileage and submit to the IRS for a tax deduction. We will provide additional information about this at Volunteer Orientation.
I have suffered a personal loss recently. Can I still volunteer?
It is our policy that new volunteers must wait one year to serve patients after they have suffered a loss. Non-patient related opportunities are available to everyone at any time.
Do I have to work directly with patients?
Not at all. There are many ways you can volunteer with Four Seasons that don’t involve serving patients. See volunteer opportunities here (insert jump link to Ways to Volunteer).
Can minors participate in your volunteer program?
Yes, minors under the age of 18 can volunteer in a variety of ways. Please speak with a member of the Volunteer Solutions Team about what roles are available.
May I volunteer for my school’s internship?
Yes, our administrative office hosts Work-Based Learning and Innovative High School interns on a frequent basis. The training and application are the same for students as any other volunteers.
Can I volunteer to complete hours for court-ordered service?
At this time, our volunteer program does not support court-mandated service hours.
Volunteer Resources for Current Volunteers
Ready to Become a Volunteer?
- Complete the application to apply now (see button below).
- One of our Volunteer Coordinators will follow up with you to provide more information or to move forward with your application
*Please note: all Four Seasons volunteers must complete a face-to-face interview and a criminal background check. Proof of Auto Liability Coverage is also required, and we ask for two personal references. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our application process. Patient and Family Support Volunteers or Volunteers interested in working in a facility setting will be required to complete a two-step TB Screening.
Opportunities for volunteers are provided without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
Once we have received your application, we will set up your Volunteer Orientation.
What to Expect at Volunteer Orientation & Training
At Volunteer Orientation, you will learn about the mission, vision, and values of Four Seasons. You will learn about the differences between Palliative and Hospice Care, as well as the other services Four Seasons provides. You will also learn why volunteers are integral to our mission and why your commitment to volunteering is important.
If you are interested in working with patients and families, you will also complete Patient & Family Support Training to help prepare you. Led by members of our clinical staff, we will help you feel confident working one-on-one with patients and family members.
