An additional component of the Bereavement Committee is the Compassionate Companions Program. The Compassionate Companions Program was established after the No One Dies Alone program that was created in 20001 by a nurse working at a hospital in Eugene, Oregon.
Compassionate companions are volunteers who provide a therapeutic presence for patients who are thought to be within the last 72 hours of life and who have no identifiable next-of-kin or next-of-kin who are unable or unwilling to be at the bedside during a patient’s final hours.
Compassionate companion volunteers play a vital role in supporting patients at the end of their life by providing a calm, caring, and consistent presence at the bedside. The program offers patients the opportunity for companionship and a supportive presence at the end of their lives. This program is activated through referrals from the clinical care team to our Chaplaincy Department.
Compassionate Companion responsibilities include quietly sitting with patients, reading aloud, playing soothing music, engaging in gentle conversation, or simply offering silent companionship—always honoring the patient’s dignity, comfort, and individuality.
At this time, volunteers for this program are internal to our health system, and we are at capacity. If you would like to explore other volunteer opportunities, please visit the BMC Volunteer Services page.