Abstract
In a time of shrinking funds and growing demand for health services, volunteers are indispensable. Civic minded people from all walks of life, when properly trained, can play an important supportive role to health professionals in terminal care facilities. Beside enhancing the quality of life of patients, volunteers may also help educate professionals to cope with death and bereavement. More specifically, the article examines the different roles of the volunteer: companion/friend, advocate, and educator. It also draws a profile of the volunteer, lists qualifications and personal characteristics, offers suggestions on where to work, and discusses special training programs to prepare volunteers for work with the dying.
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