One New Year’s resolution that many people make is to become a volunteer and Hospice of Michigan is among the nonprofits in need of compassionate people who can help patients and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses.

“There is a specific need for volunteers residing in Macomb, Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, St. Clair and Wayne counties,” according to Wednesday’s news release from Hospice of Michigan.

These are volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of others just by visiting them.

Hospice Companionship volunteers offer comfort and company to patients living at home or in a facility setting. Volunteers with pets provide a unique opportunity for companionship by bringing their furry friends (certified therapy animals preferred) for pet visits. Volunteers can also help patients living in their own homes who may need help with dog walking or pet care.

Among the volunteers currently making a difference is Hercules.

Hercules is a furry volunteer who sometimes falls asleep on the job but that’s part of his charm.

“Hercules loves to fall asleep on the floor during our visits,” said Ellen Hammond, a health care worker who experienced hospice in her personal life, whose goal with Hercules is to brighten the day of a hospice patient and that’s always the case whether he’s being petted or taking a snooze.

“One of my patients put it very nicely,” said Hammond. “It’s just relaxing to have him here.”

Those who wish to volunteer will be required to complete orientation, background checks and fingerprinting. Volunteers must also be 18 or older. For those who have experienced a recent loss, Hospice of Michigan requires a waiting period of one year before becoming a hospice volunteer to allow for the processing of grief.

“We urge the community to kick off the new year by rallying their neighbors and getting involved as volunteers with Hospice of Michigan,” said Ruth Moore-Lilly, volunteer program manager at Hospice of Michigan. “Our patients and their families significantly benefit from their fellow community showing up for them. Regardless of how individuals choose to volunteer, every hour they dedicate will help us provide compassionate care for those with life-limiting illnesses.”

Hospice of Michigan volunteers are vital in helping to deliver exceptional, compassionate support to patients and families according to its mission of caring for patients wherever they call home, right in the same community in which its volunteers live.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Ruth Moore-Lilly at 248-794-0523 or rmoore-lilly@hom.org.

For more information visit hom.org/get-involved.