No One Dies Alone Program
We designed a program to ensure no patient would be alone if a loved one was unable to be with them at the end of life.
No One Dies Alone at Swedish
No One Dies Alone (NODA) provides bedside volunteers who offer a reassuring presence to dying patients who would otherwise be alone. No One Dies Alone provides a dignified death to individuals who have no family or close friends to sit with them at the end of life. At Swedish, more than 300 deaths happen each year and sometimes they die without family present. Through this program, we are able to provide a compassionate presence for all our patients.
When to request a No One Dies Alone volunteer?
Patients who are on comfort care with Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) status, expected to die within two to three days without local family or friends.
How to request a No One Dies Alone volunteer?
Once you have identified a patient who may die alone, please activate the program by calling the operator at ext. 5000.
What if I notice my patient may not make it through the night?
Volunteers are available to sit with your patients at any time of the day or night. They have graciously given of their time and understand that death knows no time frame and that they may be called in the middle of the night. We encourage you to activate the program as soon as you notice your patient nearing the end of life and needs someone to sit with them.
What is my role now that the No One Dies Alone volunteer is with my patient?
The volunteers provide no medical care and are there to sit with the patient, perhaps hold their hand or read to them. Your responsibility to care for the patient continues. Volunteers may assist with any non-medical comfort measures as directed by the patient’s nurse.
How do I become a No One Dies Alone volunteer?
All volunteers are eligible to participate in the program. An orientation program is required before becoming a volunteer. A volunteer must be available for up to a four-hour shift to provide comfort to a patient. You may volunteer for as many shifts as you would like.
What is the time commitment?
A volunteer must be available for up to a four hour shift to provide comfort to a patient. You may volunteer for as many shifts as you would like.
More information
For more information about the No One Dies Alone program or to volunteer, please contact Gina Graves at (303) 788-6558 or gina.graves@healthonecares.com.