By the Bay Health

This organization needs to be shut down; their services are sub standard the doctor assigned to our patient has some serious violations on her license for malpractice hospital reprimands and more-the case manager RN breached protocol was negligent, aggressive and inconsiderate she tried to overdose patient with opiates against family’s wishes-stay far away from this agency they will try to kill your loved one-complaints with state medical board have been filed for public safety

The entire staff at By the Bay Health are the most compassionate,caring and knowledgeable people that support both the patient and the family through a challenging time. They took care of my mother in her final weeks and then again for my partner in life. He actually was resistant to my calling them but after only one day, he thanked me for my insistence. The people who work at By the Bay Health are angels walking on earth from the man who showered my partner to the nurses and everyone who answered frantic midnight calls. Thank you for who you are and what you choose to do.

As a volunteer for By the Bay Health, I have gained gratitude for the way social connection is emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff reach out to patients and volunteers with the warmth and heart felt care that is integral to establishing a feeling of community. I have always felt that a sense of connection is so important when social isolation can be frightening especially when people are experiencing end of life challenges. I have learned so much about being involved in a caring community. I look forward to my assignments and am astonished at how much I gain from providing volunteer service. By the Bay Health has taught me the value of connection and gratitude during a time of so much upheaval.

As a volunteer for BTBH I am continually in awe of the excellence and safe care for patients. The training of volunteers is superlative, including monthly educational meetings, and annual testing and evaluations. The quality of the professional staff is of the highest.

I am proud to represent By the Bay Health and have had the honor of providing comfort for people on hospice for seven years. The volunteer trainings along with the support provided all along the way make me feel well prepared for all situations that I might encounter as a volunteer. The staff at By The Bay Health are more than efficient and experienced. They are compassionate, gracious and deeply dedicated to the services and to their volunteers.

BTBH helped me to begin volunteering again to work with a hospice patient by creating safety parameters to make this happen. This includes a BTBH bag I carry which includes masks, glasses and other items to protect me when I am contact with a patient. Also BTBH arranges for a monthly Covid test free of charge. Finally, because I see my hospice patient in a facility, BTBH made arrangements with the facility to pay for them to give me a Rapid Covid test if they so desire. I am now meeting with this patient weekly in the facility.

I have been very impressed with the effort and planning that has allowed me to return to my role as a volunteer safely.

The staff at By the Bay Health supported my dad and my family during a very difficult time. They were kind, caring, and professional and we don’t know what we would have done without them during my dad’s illness. Their reassuring presence during his last hours allowed him to die with dignity and allowed us to stay calm throughout that difficult day.

I have volunteered for a number of organizations, and have directed one, as well.
I looked at many volunteer possibilities upon retirement and was captured by the work as well as the approach to volunteers that By The Bay Health’s training exhibited. I am now in my sixth year of volunteering there and, as time goes by, I’m continually more impressed by the whole organization. The attention to detail, the extent to which volunteers are utilized and valued, and the consummate kindness shown to patients and co-workers is all unequaled, in my experience. I feel honored to be a part of such an outstanding organization.
Anita Moran
BTBH Patient Care Volunteer

What an amazing and helpful service. My mom died last year of Covid at 97 in an assisted living small group home in San Rafael. I was unable to visit her,but Hospice did. Sara was the sweetest ,kindest volunteer and literally was there the day she died holding up the phone so
that I could speak to her. Such bravery,compassion and comfort. There were other volunteers who had the same selfless kindness. I also took advantage of the wonderful grief counseling with Paige. A tremendous and valuable service. I had volunteered at Hodgepodge for 15 years and never knew what a phenomenal service they offered. Thank you!

Hospice by the Bay is fantastic not only because of the life-changing work they do, but also because of the exceptional people who so selflessly support those experiencing traumatic health issues.

Many years ago Hospice provided end-of-life care for my Mother, enabling her to die at home, as she wished. I have been a grateful volunteer for the organization ever since.

We have used the services of Hospice by the Bay most recently by them assisting us in the care of our 101 yr. old mother until her death. We have been supported by their caring staff at other times as well. In each instance, they provided us with the education, physical, emotional and spiritual support needed. Her comfort was a top priority and it was managed well. From the very professional and informative intake nurse to our loving caregivers, we were once again brought into the hospice family and our mother's and our experiences were made easier. They were always readily available and made sure our questions were always answered. Their MD was actively involved and supportive as well. We are forever grateful.

Hospice provided professional and compassionate for my wife for an extended period of time. The personal support , which I received, included both grief and spiritual counseling. Their expertise in all aspects of case allowed my wife and I to have quality time during the experience. While i hope that you and your family are enjoying good health, I recommend Hospice by the Bay, when your need arises.

I first learned about Hospice By The Bay as a volunteer in the used book room at Book Passage. Each week a group of us enjoy each other’s company, our customers and supporting the work of hospice and our community through books. I also had the privilege of caring for my mother-in-law while she received hospice services from HBTB for her last 6 months of life. Her entire care team was so loving, thoughtful and caring of our whole family. I am proud to be associated with such a wonderful organization!

I can't recommend Hospice by the Bay enough. Such a comfort they were for my Mom and for me trying to do long-distance caregiving while her life was fading thousands of miles away. Hospice always kept me informed of changes in her situation, oftentimes many times a day. They sent wonderful people to check on her daily, to keep her spirits up with music and empathetic company -- all of this in my absence as I couldn't be there for Mom physically. Hospice was a godsend and I highly recommend them.

I believe that Hospice by the Bay is very valuable to our community. Although I have not had family members nor close friends who have used the end-of-life services, an acquaintance and his family were greatly assisted and relieved during this very stressful and difficult time in their lives.

The seminars generously offered are invaluable for estate planning, etc. Now I plan to update my Living Trust and include Hospice in my estate planning.

They are first-class, compassion people who really care!

kindness and compassion says it all . Staff was helpful in every way; personally, provided useful networking and gave quality care.

I had an extremely rewarding volunteer experience with Hospice by the Bay. The training was comprehensive, the volunteer staff was supportive, and the entire staff was extremely warm and competent.

I have performed as a volunteer for HBTB for several years now, largely visiting hospice patients at their homes or in care facilities during that time. I am very impressed at how rock-solid the organization's commitment is to doing the best for patients who are facing the end of their lives, taking on the situation with great seriousness and at the same time realizing that the end of life is not without its moments of joy, comedy, kindness and togetherness--for the patients and their families and for the staff and volunteers too. HBTB cares about the well being of its volunteers and tries to help out in difficult situations we have with patients at times and with their families for what they are going through. The organization has frequent contact points with the volunteers both with regard to their individual experiences and with regard to larger issues facing the dying, like how Alzheimers affects patients and how to try to communicate despite it and dealing with the subject of people who want themselves to control the end of their lives. There is no advocacy here, no agenda, just providing education on what we all confront as we approach death.
The coronavirus pandemic has cut short our visits to patients for almost half a year now and that likely will continue for a time. I feel a loss for myself, but more for the patients who die be lonelier than they would have been if our contacts could have continued. HBTB provides a vital service to the community and is continuing to evolve. It is a first-rate organization with first rate physicians, medical aides, administrators and volunteers. It deserves your highest rating.

As a volunteer I have met so many wonderful people, from patients to Hospice employees. With the current Covid restrictions of course the volunteer program is on hold. It is without question the thing I miss most as a result of the current guidelines. I miss it more than seeing friends, dining out, going to the movies...I miss it more than anything. I realize that the people for whom I volunteered, I was their friend, their dinner companion, their entertainment. It breaks my heart that I can’t be there for them. The day the volunteer program opens up cannot come too soon for me. I miss it truly...

At the end of my brother Don’s life he was blessed with a team from Hospice by the Bay. The compassion and care they showed him and those of us at his bedside will lift me for the rest of my life. I am truly grateful.

As a volunteer with Hospice by the Bay for 3 1/2 years, I am always impressed with the level of professionalism, compassion and support for both the volunteers and the patients they care for. My initial training was more thorough than I expected and we continue to receive training and support through monthly volunteer meetings. Even during this crisis where we are unable to visit patients, Hospice by the Bay has not forgotten about its volunteers. We continue to have zoom meetings where we can share what we are going through and hear what Hospice is doing. Even though the work that I do can sometimes be difficult, I have always felt concern and support from the organization. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Hospice by the Bay.

I have volunteered at Hodgepodge for many years because the staff and the
other volunteers I worked with are “top notch”. The store has gone through
good changes and the fact that it is there to serve many communities with
Excellent merchandise is a boon, plus the work of Hospice By the Bay is an
exemplary nonprofit Organization.
I think we volunteers feel lucky to serve as helpers for your organization.
Muniera

I was a new volunteer just getting trained when Covid interfered and we had to close. I saw first hand the efforts staff and caregivers made to keep in touch with patients as well as we volunteers as things unraveled. Months later I was involved in a vital project to update the contact information for all the referring doctors in the Bay Area, 500 plus, so we will be prepared when we’re allowed to reopen.

A wonderful organization that serves a vital purpose during end-of-life's challenges to patients and family members alike - a source of comfort, knowledge and understanding. Thank you for all you do.

When my wife's medical team could do nothing more, they advised Hospice care. I never understood how Hospice worked but Hospice by the Bay was highly recommended, so I called. We instantly had a visit scheduled. Two professionals came to the house and over a lengthy visit, thoroughly explained hospice to my wife, my children and me. When the meeting was finished and the Hospice folks left, all of us knew we made the right decision. Over the last weeks of my wife's life, Hospice by the Bay was there. Drugs were prescribed and delivered along with needed care items. A registered nurse was available 24/7 by phone. Various professionals arrived to instruct us on how best to care for my wife in terms of drug routines but also daily living. Simply put, we were not prepared to do these difficult tasks without help and I bless all the wonderful people who got us through this with our sanity intact. I am so grateful.

Hospice by the Bay is a group of wonderful, caring angels. When my husband was dying from the effects of dementia, the nurses made him more comfortable; the volunteers visited and sang to him and rubbed his hands and feet. They were there when he needed them to relieve his pain and calm his fears.
They comforted me as well so that I could focus on the beauty of the life we had had together. While he was too young to be taken by this terrible disease, I know that he died with a smile in his heart because of this wonderful organization.

I’ve been volunteering at Hospice since I was 14 with my mother and grandmother. Now I continue to volunteer at the Hospice Ball. Hospice is a great organization who’s staff care for all their patience as if they are family and make sure that they are comfortable. The staff work with families to make sure the care plan is working for their loved one.

My family has been fortunate in availing ourselves of the gifts hospice provides for patients, families and other caregivers. Since 1995 through 2014 I have had five family members pass on, in their homes, with the aid of hospice and we could not have done that without hospice help. Dying at home was such a gift to us all. Thank you, hospice angles.

I've had many years of experience as a volunteer for agencies on both coasts - for people with AIDS, the mentally ill and their families, children who have suffered every form of abuse - but although they were fully committed to their missions, none has been of such compassion, devotion, integrity, caring and experience as those of Hospice of the Bay. They go to all and any lengths to provide palliative and supportive care to their patients and their families, as well as comfort and wisdom at such a trying time, the end of life. Thank you, HBTB, for the honor of being part of your lofty organization, as I know patients and their loved ones often express that they cannot thank you enough for all you do for them.

I met Hospice by the Bay when my mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. The passing was very quick. Hospice by the Bay's emails and letters helped me find support groups for my grief. It was so valuable to my healing to have them there. Thank you for all you do.

I was feeling afraid and overwhelmed as I cared for my aging mother. I was her accessing medical care, and housekeeping health, and many other areas, and thought that I was doing my best. I didn't really realize how much was beginning to grieve, and how reassuring it would feel, to have the help of hospice. Then Hospice By the Bay came into our lives. The Hospice nurse was experienced and reassuring, the social worker also always available. They took us along this path enabling us to feel that we could make our decisions while always having them by our side. After my mother finally died, the grief counseling for me provided by Hospice by the Bay was superb. I could not imagine what care-giving at this life-changing time would have been life without Hospice By the Bay. I will always be grateful.

My mother used the services of Hospice by the Bay. All of the staff were amazing people and very skilled at dealing with such a difficult situation. I think they helped my mother and my family tremendously. They were all very professional and caring. They even came to my mother's memorial after she passed. This is a special organization.

As my wife's stroke activity worsened, hospital staff told me about Hospice by the Bay and recommended I contact them. I was so glad that I did. Their caring and guidance during the final weeks of my wife's life made a world of difference to both of us.

My wife was in the terminal stages of cancer. The doctor advised us to use Hospice. I chose Hospice by the Bay because it was close and convenient. They provided absolutely the best care possible. Their staff and nurses where wonderful. The help they provided helped get us through a really terrible time. I will always be indebted to them for the month that they took care of my wife before she passed away.

I've been a patient care volunteer with Hospice by the Bay for 7 years, and have always been impressed by the professionalism and compassion exhibited by every staff member and volunteer. This is clearly a 5-star organization.

I choose to support Hospice by the Bay because I have had many friends who have been helped by their compassionate services. After I lost my father, even though he was on hospice care in another part of the country, I was able to receive grief support from Hospice by the Bay as a community member. All of the staff that I have had contact with have been warm and helpful. Our community is fortunate to have these services available from a nonprofit that truly cares!

Hospice is a place where living angels help people every day of the year! It is hard to know anyone who has not been touched personally by the services of Hospice. If it wasn't your family member, it probably was a friend, a co-worker, a friend of a friend who received their services at the most needy time in ones life.

After my mom was helped by Hospice in her last days, I vowed to volunteer to help this organization help others. Hospice not only made my mom as comfortable as possible but gave our family members guidance as to how to comfort her, counseled us, and helped us arrange services. It is now 10 years later and I am still volunteering.

What an amazing organization filled with people who truly care and utilize their resources to ensure every comfort for their patients.

I had been working for this organization since 2009. I find good team work and supportive staff and managers always.

I have volunteered at Hospice by the Bay for over 10 years. I do this because I believe so strongly in their mission which is to help people at the end of their lives live as best they can while also providing family and caregivers with the support they need as they go through this journey. It has been a joy to work with them. No matter how small my participation has been, I am always overwhelmed by the staff's appreciation and kindness. Their culture of caring and kindness is evident in how they treat everyone associated with their organization -- patients, families, staff and volunteers. Working with Hospice has enriched my life.

I began volunteering with Hospice a year ago. I got involved because my father had received hospice care when he was dying and it made an immeasurable difference in the end of his life and in the support that my mother and our family received. I knew when I had time I'd like to be able to do that for someone else and their family. What surprised me about Hospice by the Bay was the professionalism with which they treat their volunteers and the respect they convey for their patients and their families. The extensive training emphasized the legal, practical, and emotional requirements for being a hospice volunteer. While every patient experience is different and can be difficult, I feel the training, both initial and ongoing, has prepared me. If I ever have any questions, the administration has been immediately responsive. While the work is not for everyone, if you feel that you would like to make a vital impact in someone's life, Hospice by the Bay could not be a better organization to volunteer with.

My main job as a volunteer is testing, repairing, and making sure electronic donations are in good working order before being put on sale at the Novato thrift store. I am surrounded by friendly, caring, humorous fellow volunteers and store management. I always feel supported and,of the many volunteer jobs I do,it is by far my favorite.
Our customers appreciate the great cause and service Hospice by the bay provides. They donate high quality merchandise and in turn get to select from a wide array of unique and unusual treasures.

It is a great place to shop and an even better place to spend a few hours each week volunteering.

Hospice by the bay is an incredible organization. Not just in how they care for patients (which is top notch) or in their integrity (which I've witnessed in everything they do), but also in how they run their volunteer organization. As a multi-year volunteer, I feel appreciated, cared for, well prepared and supported.

I have found it deeply gratifying to have been a Patient Care Volunteer with this organization since 1987. At that time I thought my preparation for the role was thorough; and since then, regular in-service trainings have ensured that my knowledge and skills are up-to-date. Not only have there been advances in end-of-life care, but options available to Volunteers have expanded.
It has been a privilege to be affiliated with HBTB, as a recognized and respected member of the team. From gratitude expressed by families and sometimes patients, themselves, I know that I am appreciated. My life has been immeasurably enriched.

The most fundamentally life-changing aspect of becoming a patient-care volunteer of HBTB was the ability to foster a deep connection to the present. Only when one is truly present with a patient can we recognize and appreciate all of life's gifts. It's such an honor and privilege to work with both the HBTB staff and patients.

Organized, attentive and very responsive to needs of patients and their caregivers.

Just being trained as a volunteer was a moving experience at HBTB. The level of commitment, thoughtfulness, and compassion were through the roof. And it's continued like that. I feel so taken care of even as I get the opportunities to care for others. I believe hospice is a great concept, and HBTB is a great example of that concept in action.

A wonderful organization! The staff are incredible and well supported by management. They are professional, dedicated and described as angels. I have never worked for an organization that cares some much about the happiness of their employees. In addition, the friends and families of the patients we serve are so appreciated, it feels so rewarding going to work every day. I feel fortunate to work fro Hospice by the Bay.

The staff are professional, skilled and empathic to patients, families and all those with whom they have contact.

I am very impressed with how caring and committed the staff is to providing exceptional end of life care for the patients and support for the family members. I constantly hear the patients and their family caregivers say how grateful they are for this service.

Started volunteering at Hospice in their Sonoma Auxiliary over 15 years ago.......each year has been both a joyful experience in working with staff as well as our fellow volunteers. Our volunteer effort is one of service to patients, their families and the community. We all look forward to each activity, its planning and execution aimed for the benefit of patients and their families served by Hospice of the Bay. If you would like to volunteer and contribute to your community, please choose Hospice by the Bay.....you will love it and feel rewarded.

Thank you - your good thoughts are welcome and comforting. My mom was 94, so this was not completely unexpected, and my brother and I were actually able to be with her at the end. She had the support and comfort of hospice care and they did a wonderful job of keeping her comfortable. Fortunately for us, my parents had prepared health directives and my father had done a wonderful job of getting things all arranged, so basically my brother and I just had to follow the instructions. It certainly inspired me to do the same for my children. So, now I feel even more attachment to Hospice by the Bay and the wonderful support you all are in times of need.

Best place to work. Great Teamwork and Core Values

I became friends with someone who started on the hospice floor at Laguna Honda Hospital's hospice floor (where I was a volunteer) and "graduated" to an SRO room of his own near the Tenderloin. I visited him weekly to see how he was doing on his own, and he always spoke highly of the support the Hospice By The Bay nurses provided him. After a few months he started to decline significantly, and his frailty made his accommodations difficult and even dangerous. The hospice team worked quickly to get him transferred to Coming Home Hospice, where he was able to thrive until further decline led to his passing. The care and concern offered to him by Hospice By The Bay made his waning days as safe and pain-free as they could be. Such a difference this special kind of care made for him!

We were well served a couple of weeks ago by Jackie, the intake nurse assigned to my dad. As she interviewed us (my dad the patient, my mom, and me) about my dad's needs, she realized that my dad would no longer qualify at the time for hospice care - a gap in medical records provided to her, which would have noted a recent decision to pursue chemotherapy, contributed to the disconnect.
Nevertheless, she continued to interview and take in our information and background (for a probable future re-admission). and then stayed to orient my mom on home care for my dad - home environment assessment, setting up meds regimen, and setup and validation with my mom on use of feeding tube for my dad. We're thankful that she put my mom's mind at ease to care for my dad.

I have been a hospice volunteer for Hospice By The Bay, San Francisco, for 3 years. It has been a very rewarding and heartfelt experience and enriched my life greatly. All of the people that work for this organization are dedicated, caring people which make this organization such a valuable part of the Bay Area community.

I'm a fairly recent volunteer. The training was so rich with insight and wonderful presenters and equally wonderful fellow volunteers that the experience started off excellent and has been nothing less since. The work is enriching, and the support HBTB provides us as volunteers is something we can always count on.

I have been a Patient Care Volunteer for a few months. The training we received to equip us for our job was excellent--well-organized and comprehensive. Because of this I was able to smoothly transition into my role. The volunteers have superb support from the Hospice staff. It is so personally rewarding to have the opportunity to be a companion to and be present with the Hospice patients.

I became a volunteer with Hospice by the Bay after I retired. My parents had hospice and I was impressed with the organization and philosophy of keeping patients comfortable in their last stage of life. My opinion of HBTB only grew when I became trained and worked closely with the organization. HBTB is very professional with a thorough training program that holds all of us to high standards. The program is very organized and accountable, making its customers the focal point. Above all else, HBTB is a warm, caring, and progressive; willing to include new initiatives in its services with comfort and care as the number one priority for its patients.

I have been a HBTB volunteer for over two years and this work has opened a new experience that is extremely rewarding. I have met some of the most dedicated people and seen families come together at times when it is most needed. I would not give up this volunteering for anything as I learn and gain new and wonderful prospectives with each encounter. I worked in the health care industry for over 45 years and HBTB is the most transparent, patient centered, staff oriented organization I have ever had the pleasure of working with.

I have been a volunteer with Hospice by the Bay for more than a year and a half.
I think the organization is doing incredible work and I'm so happy to be a part of the team.

From 1983-1990, I worked as a nurse at CT Hospice in Branford, CT.
It was and still is an excellent facility of the highest quality.

Ten years ago I retired and moved to San Francisco where I volunteer at Hospice By The Bay.
Hospice By The Bay is equally outstanding , providing excellent , quality care and compassion to all clients.

I am thrilled to be affiliated with this hospice .

I an 88 year old who has a need to have a direct service project in my life. Since joining up with HBTB as a volunteer I have been very impressed with their ability to function at the intersection of patients/family, volunteers and the discipline of governmental regulation. They are a most impressive group of caring people. I hope to be a client when my time comes.

Hospice by the Bay has an extraordinary staff and volunteer corps. I am a volunteer and have been amazed at the efficiency and care the organization shows its volunteers and clients. Recently, one of our clients whom I was visiting passed away and the Hospice nurses, caregivers, and social worker who had attended her for many months were by her bedside at the end. They are dedicated and have great skills in care and compassion. The volunteer program included an option to take a 6-week compassionate care training, offered by Stanford. It was so valuable.

Volunteering for Hospice By The Bay has been such a fulfilling experience. I have never worked with such a dedicated and competent team of people. The care given to families and patients is amazing.

I've worked with several non-profit organizations over the last 15 years. Hospice By the Bay stands out amongst other organizations because their charitable services provide direct relief and compassion like none other. As a volunteer, I am so proud to be part of a highly-trained team whose mission is to support families and patients through the most difficult time of their lives.

The level of compassionate care offered by SFHBTB to all of their clients no matter what their socioeconomic status is a reflection of the agency's commitment to provide a range of services to those in need at a most vulnerable and least understood time of life.

Hospice helped our family when my husband passed in 2011. Their nurse was with us in his final hours, assuring that he was not in pain and that my kids and I were surrounded with love and compassion. We also used their grief counseling services, which gave us a chance to grieve in healthy ways.

How can I ever put into words the depth of gratitude that I feel for Hospice by the Bay for the compassion and care the organization has given to me when the need arose in my own family many years ago now. And then when I watched my good friends walk the journey at the end of their lives and see their faces light up whenever their Hospice Helper would come to visit or attend to their needs...these were and still are treasured memories for me, The happiest moments for me are when I hear my colleagues ask for more information regarding Hospice by the Bay or when they inform me about learning more about Hospice from handouts such as JUST IN CASE. Being in touch with Hospice by the Bay, for me, is like holding hands with an old and caring friend and what is more than such a friendship that is there for life!!

I feel so lucky to have the guidance of the professionals at Hospice By The Bay. When I completed my training last Dec. I had several losses of my own and they were so patient with me until I was ready to begin volunteering. My first client was a wonderful tiny 98 yr old lady and I enjoyed her so much. In my notes the Hospice staff recognized a few behaviors of mine which needed to be discussed with staff. I realized I had overstepped my role and they were very gracious about steering me in the right direction without punishing me. I so appreciate that. I love my volunteer commitment because they have my back.
Kathy Bass

I have been a Hospice By the Bay volunteer for about 6 months or so and the organization has given me the tools I need to go into the community and effectively care for others. I have support, follow-up and resources and I never feel like I am going to a home/nursing facility on my own. My training was highly thorough and enjoyable. The staff is sincere and helpful to the volunteers at Hospice, they really make you feel like you are a big part of the team. I highly recommend this non-profit organization for patients, you will never feel like you are going through this chapter in your life alone.

I just returned from the funeral of my hospice patient of the last ten months, and I cannot tell you how much the patient and his family appreciated all the things Hospice By the Bay did for them. Each family member sought me out at the funeral to thank me for my contribution and by Hospice By the Bay for its many services. Even in the obituary the family recognized Hospice by the Bay for "its exceptional care" and directed any donations to Hospice even though the family was very committed to its church. When I visited the patient, I was amazed at all the services that Hospice provides from medical care to bedside care to palliative care to spiritual care, and all in a very compassionate and kind way to a needy soul. I could tell he felt valued to have Hospice take care of him at a time of life when it is easy to feel disconnected and forgotten. I consider it an honor to represent such a fine organization.
During my initial training I was impressed by how well run and organized both the classes and the organization are - they are quality, sensitive, caring and thoughtful people who serve a great mission. It is by far the best run non-profit I have ever been involved with and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I have been a Hospice by the Bay volunteer for over a year and find this organization to be highly professional with a focus on continuing education and ethical best practices.There is rigorous adherence to Federal medical guidelines and thorough training in all aspects of this work. The volunteer coordinator in my area is a well informed, very compassionate person, who is an inspiration. She is remarkably upbeat, highly accessible, and simply a wonderful person to interact with.Therefore, 5 thumbs up for Hospice by the Bay.

i have been a hospice by the bay volunteer for 14 months. in that time i have had the privilege of sitting with people and sometimes their families during this important part of their life journey. we review and honor their lives, we laugh and i get to hear lots of wisdom from these special individuals who are far wiser than i am. i hope. that i provide a service that is helpful but the gifts that i get are beyond anything i've ever experienced. i am grateful for this opportunity.

Four years after the death of my husband, supported in his last weeks of life by Hospice by the Bay nurses, doctors and staff, I was ready to "pay back", so to speak. I had worked for 20 years as an RN, so hoped it would be a good fit.
I have now volunteered for the past two years in their office with the Patient Care Support team. Doctors, nurses, social workers, office staff - what an amazing group of people they are! They never fail to say thank you. I am honored and privileged to volunteer here. I receive far more than I give!

I have been a volunteer at Hospice by the Bay for less than a year but in that short amount of time I have fallen in love with the place. The staff and the volunteers are some of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met. And the work they do is nothing short of sacred. I don't know of any other organization that does its job so well, and with such heart and integrity. Thank goodness for Hospice by the Bay and all the wonderful and soulful work that they do.

My first association with Hospice By The Bay was 16 years ago when my husband was dying. As a family, we experienced a myriad of feelings, from fear to helplessness, and even anger. The Hospice Social Worker assigned to us was like a miracle stepping in; she was able to gently guide us through the steps, normalize our emotions and reassure us that everything was being managed (and it was!) .

From that time on, I have wanted to be a part of such a remarkable team, so I took the (excellent!) training class and have been volunteering for the past 3 years. The work is very rewarding, each assignment touching my heart. No matter how challenging the case may be, there is reassurance in knowing that the most amazing team of professionals is always supporting us. It is truly a privilege to be volunteering with HBTB.

I had worked as a nurse for 20 years before deciding to look into working with Hospice. I chose to do Complimentary Care as a volunteer in 2009. I was amazed at the extremely thorough volunteer training and how dedicated the staff and volunteers at Hospice By the Bay were! I have had nothing but positive feedback from anyone who has been involved with our Hospice. I feel fortunate to work with such a fine organization.

When my Father was dying, a Hospice nurse came to the door. From the minute she arrived, there was a tremendous feeling of relief for me. She was taking charge of every detail, ordering things such as medicine to keep Dad comfortable, a hospital bed, and so many details I could never have attended to. She worked with us to make the last day a calm, and supportive day. She coached us of what to watch for, and what to do during the last night. My family knew when to make the last-minute telephone call. As a result, I was able to spend Dad's last fifteen minutes with him and his passing was not a frantic event.
The peace and confidence which arrived with the Hospice nurse is beyond price. I can't begin to thank the organization enough.

As a volunteer, I have found Hospice by the Bay to be an excellent, very dependable, and caring organization; this applies throughout the organization. From their superior staff to their outreach activities, continuing professional education and client follow-up, their expert handling of any aspect of palliative and hospice care is a trustworthy source of help and comfort in all aspects of palliative and hospice care. Based on my own interactions with their clients, I feel that my confidence in Hospice by the Bay is shared by many.

I completed my volunteer training in March of 2009 and on the last day of April, 2009, I was laid off from my long time position with a large cardiology practice. Having my hospice work helped keep me grounded and giving while I worked through the shock, disbelief and anger of the grieving process. It really helped fight the depression to be able to help others and focus my attention outside myself and give that attention to others who are fighting their own battles with much higher stakes than mine.
Volunteers are consistently shown respect and appreciation by the staff at HBTB. Our time and our efforts are valued, and the training is effective and enables volunteers to improve our skills. After almost four years of affiliation, I have never regretted my decision to volunteer for this outstanding organization of caring individuals.

As a volunteer for HBTB, the training was excellent. Thorough to every detail from the patient to the volunteer. Assignments are offered at your choice. The requirements to become and also maintain your position is structured well. It is an outstanding organization to volunteer with. The Coordinator I work with is wonderful. It is with great pleasure to have his support.

Before moving to San Francisco in 2005, I had been employed as a full time nurse at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT. for 7 years as well as a volunteer for 2 years.
I was accustomed to the high standards of excellence and care at the CT Hospice.
So when I moved to SF, I contacted Hospice by the Bay about the possibility of volunteering once again.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the same excellence of care and concern that I was accustomed to and trained as a volunteer right away.

I have had numerous wonderful experiences at Hospice by the Bay and highly recommend this agency to all the people I know who might one day need the services.

I can't say enough about this agency! But now I can say that I've worked at 2 of the best Hospices in this country!

I volunteer in the SF office and I visit one patient. It has been very personally rewarding and I have learned more than I expected. HBTB is a great organization. HBTB also has many wonderful and dedicated employees who constantly are working to best serve and care for their clients and their clients families. I would highly recommend HBTB to anyone looking for the right hospice for their family or whether it be for a job or volunteer position.

I knew I wanted to volunteer in the Hospice field, but I could have never imagined how informative the training , how supportive the staff & how powerfully moving & fulfilling the work they organize would be... I'm truly grateful for the company & for its people who ensure a positive impact/experience on those lives they touch...

After retiring following 34 years as a teacher and school principal, I chose to become a Hospice volunteer. I was so impressed with Hospice when my parents were each patients that I wanted to give back to others in the same way. My experiences has far exceeded my expectations.

Hospice By the Bay is a very ethical, professional organization. The week-long training at the start of my tenure was well organized, pertinent, and personal. While I am a volunteer, I know that my work is valued and a necessary part of the program. The manner in which volunteers are treated mirrors that level of importance. My volunteer time is valued, flexible and varied. Our contribution is recognized in many ways including events honoring volunteers.

But, most importantly, the personal satisfaction and sense of value I experience from visiting and helping Hospice patients is life-changing. I feel fortunate that there is an organization such as Hospice By the Bay that provides such an invaluable service to individuals and families facing end-of-life events in such a well-organized and supportive atmosphere that my experience can be nothing but positive. That same positive experience is echoed by fellow Hospice volunteers, patents, and their families. Hospice By the Bay is truly a gift to our community in providing the means for individuals and families to experience the end of life in a calm, comfortable, and supportive environment.

I don't think I know anyone who has not been touched by Hopice whether it be with service to a family member, friend, business associate, or friend of a friend. They provide such a valuable service to the community. To pay them back, I volunteer for their annual events which takes only a few days of my year. By volunteering, I have met the most amazing people as staff of Hospice and other volunteers. It is truly a win, win to spend time with these special people!!!

Through volunteering with Hospice by the Bay I have been able to share this precious end of life time with family and loved ones who are with hospice. Words can hardly express the gifts I have received by being a part of this organization. I am often still surprised at the level of compassion and care reflected continually by the staff and fellow volunteers not only for the patients but for the volunteers as well. It is amazing to me all of this care and devotion can be carried out with so much efficiency.

As a patient care volunteer, it is a deep honor to be invited into the homes of people who are approaching the end of life. I love helping family and patients find comfort and even joy at this intimate time. Hospice by the Bay trains all volunteers very thoroughly, and I know I am prepared to support in a significant and profound way. Everyone approaches life's end. I feel Hospice allows patients and their families to make the absolute best of these last months, weeks or days together. We work hard to support them where ever they are emotionally, spiritually and physically. I have many wonderful memories of patients I have met, and will hold them in my heart always.

As a volunteer for HBTB I feel my involvement is deeply appreciated and acknowledged. I only have time to do 1 hour a week of companionship, but the man I see looks forward to my visits and sincerely thanks me for my visits. I also feel that the support staff at HBTB has my back in every way.Their devotion and commitment is very apparent.

As I began my volunteer training at HBTB it became obvious why this organization is so respected here in Marin county. The level of education and support provided for the volunteers gives us the tools to provide the best care possible for the patients and their families.
People have thanked me for volunteering with HBTB, but I feel I am receiving so much more from the patients.
HBTB is an amazing organization, always there for the patients, families, staff and volunteers. I am lucky to be a small part of HBTB.

HBTB cares about their patient population and it was most apparent to me during my training to become a volunteer. I received more in-depth training than most people receive for a paid position. This organization cares about it's patients and wants its volunteer team to perform with empathy and professionalism.

My coordinator is always available to discuss any concerns and gives me thoughtful feedback about how to optimize my interaction with my patient.

HBTB is a top-notch organization and I am proud to be volunteer representative.

Hospice by the Bay is an amazing organization to volunteer for. I've received so much preparation for my role as volunteer. There is much support and compassion this organization provides to their patients, their families/loved ones as well as their volunteers. Volunteers work as part of a team and each member of the team plays an important role in the plan of care for their patients. The work I do visiting patients at end of life is very very rewarding. I find myself thanking them for allowing me to visit with them.

If you are looking for an organization to volunteer for, at Hospice by the Bay you are guaranteed to be surrounded by so many amazing compassionate people from the top of the organization to your fellow volunteers. There are regular volunteer meetings where we have the opportunity to share and learn from one another as well as benefit from special topic presentations.

I was considering volunteering at Hospice by the Bay for several years before I made the decision. When the timing was right I applied and was interviewed. Once accepted I participated in their training. I learned so much and the people were wonderful. I am so grateful to be a volunteer for Hospice by the Bay. It seems that I receive much more than I give.

As a volunteer I phone families to see how everyone is doing and also make calls to loved one 8 weeks after the death of a loved one. I am in the enviable position of hearing all of the wonderfully enthusiastic comments from families when they tell me how they could not have gotten through the end of life with their loved one without the incredible support from Hospice By The Bay. They rave about the amazing dedication and caring of the nurses, the aides who come to bathe patients and offer other necessary services, the chaplains, the social workers and everyone else with whom they have had contact. The patient workers are a very special group of people as are the volunteers who go out to visit with patients and offer respite care. Kudos to Hospice!

For the past 12 years my on-going experiences as a Patiient Care Volunteer with Hospice By The Bay ( Larkspur, CA) have been most rewarding. As an organization it is first class with staff and volunteer training being exceptional and most outstanding.

I am honored and privileged to be there for the patients and their families. There are so many poignant moments and memorable instances to be cherished and I am grateful for the many enriching situations for the patient and for myself. Dee Moss

Volunteering with hospice by the bay is a challenging but extremely rewarding role. When I tell people I volunteer with hospice they almost always say "Oh wow how sad!" but in truth it isn't sad, most of the time it's amazing to see the ways in which people come together for each other in their times of need. I am constantly surprised by the strength and compassion of the nurses, caregivers, social workers and patients I get to work with. Not to mention surprised by myself and what I can handle... As a volunteer you are never alone. You have constant support from your coordinator and hospice team and it is obvious how much you are appreciated.

I have been doing Reiki and other energy work for Hospice By the Bay for nine years. Every client
I see raves about the care they and their families have received by everyone affiliated with Hospice
By the Bay. I have been impressed with the training and support I receive as a volunteer. Everyone operates from the heart and respects the dignity and unique value of all those we serve.

The nurses and care givers, other volunteers were the most compassionate people I have met. Everyone I worked with were wonderful and happy to be doing what they were doing. I could not rexcommend this organization enough. I volunteered with them for nine years and I feel grateful for all of the people that I worked for and with.

I have been volunteering as a complementary care giver for close to five years. I find Hospice By The Bay to be a wonderful organization with which to be affiliated and one of the most fulfilling ways in which to practice my energy work as a Healing Touch Practitioner. The patients as well as all the staff are great!
Bill Badiner

I have been a Hospice By the Bay volunteer since 2005 and I feel that their support for the patients and their families is outstanding. I experienced that love and care when I lost my husband in 2000.

It has been and is my privilege and honor to volunteer at Hospice by the Bay for the last 4 years. Hospice was largely responsible for the peaceful passing of my mother, my mother-in-law and several friends. I thought that by volunteering with this organization, I could give back to them; I was wrong! By being part of the Hospice by the Bay organization, I have gained so much more than I have given. Every patient with whom I work is a joy, and every co-worker with whom I interact is professional, loving and caring. I have never felt as honored as I do when I am able to help someone be more comfortable during their transition. I love this organization, and I constantly marvel at the work that is done. I will continue to volunteer as long as it is possible for me to be a part of this community.

Thank you, Hospice by the Bay for including me as a part of your wonderful team!
Carmen

As a Hospice By The Bay volunteer for several years I am always pleased to hear how appreciative the families of our clients are. As a vigil voluteer I am honored to spend time with people in the waning hours of their life here on earth, to provide some relief to family and caregivers and to make the clients last days as peaceful and loving as possible. HBTB is an incredible organization focused on providing the best possible palliative care for the clients.

I have been volunteering with Hospice by the Bay for about a year now. The experience has been very good. The training was very thorough and interesting, and the volunteers are very well supported. It's a great way to give back to the community.

I became a volunteer at Hospice by The Bay a year ago because they have helped care for many of my friends and family who chose to die using hospice care. In 1988 I called Hospice by The Bay to help when my partner who was dying requested hospice care. The compassionate care given to my partner and to me came at a time of great need, and it was given in both a professional and very personal way. For years I have observed first hand the extraordinary level of care and compassion given to people who were dying... every hospice nurse, doctor, social worker, home health aid, spiritual adviser I have seen and worked with has performed at the highest possible level of caring and professionalism... I have seen Buddhist Monks making home visits, nurses carefully monitoring patients medications, a social worker finding a way to replace a patient's much needed reclining chair, volunteers shopping for women who could no longer leave their homes ... all part of an agency whose goal is to help comfort those who are facing the end of their life.... and I have heard the words " Thank you " from the people who have had Hospice there when they needed them...