Volunteers Bring Comfort Through Music at Hosparus Health Inpatient Care Unit

On a bright afternoon at the Hosparus Health Inpatient Care Unit, the soft sounds of harmony filled the air. Members of the Louisville Community Comfort Choir gathered in small groups to sing at the bedsides of patients nearing the end of life. With gentle, soothing voices, these volunteers offered moments of peace—not only to the patients but also to their families and caregivers. This heartfelt act of service highlights one of the many meaningful ways volunteers can contribute to Hosparus Health’s mission of compassionate care.

Singing with Purpose
The Louisville Community Comfort Choir, part of Threshold Choir International, includes talented volunteers such as Joan Perkins, Theresa Berry, Nancy Nikfarjam, and Roberta Moore. Singing bedside in small groups of three or four, the choir shares calming melodies, such as How Great Thou Art and Let Me Sing for You.

Patients and families often request specific songs, creating a deeply personal connection. Music becomes a bridge to cherished moments as memories tied to a beloved song or artist are shared.

“I love doing this,” reflected choir volunteer and lifelong singer Roberta Moore, “This is probably the most rewarding singing I have ever done.”

A Shared Mission
Sylvia Johnson, Senior Manager of Volunteer Services, shares the significance of this unique volunteer program, “Our volunteers bring their time, talent, and heart to everything they do. For some, like our Louisville Comfort Choir singers, this means using their voices to create moments of peace and connection at the bedside.”

The choir rehearses regularly at Hosparus Health’s main campus, where members hone their skills in harmony, learn the choir’s repertoire, and build their bedside presence. They are also trained to support patients and families through the emotional journey of end-of-life care, making every note sung an act of compassion.

Volunteering with Hosparus Health offers a chance to make a lasting impact. For the Comfort Choir members, it combines their love of music with the desire to bring peace to patients in their final days.

More Than Singing
While the Louisville Community Comfort Choir offers a uniquely creative way to serve, there are countless other ways to volunteer with Hosparus Health.

Johnson highlighted additional opportunities, “We are always looking for individuals with musical talents — guitar players, pianists, harpists, and more — willing to share their skills. Music care, whether in nursing homes or at our Inpatient Care Unit, is a beautiful way to blend creativity with service, providing comfort to patients and families.”

For those who aren’t musically inclined, other volunteer opportunities include:

• Providing companionship to patients
• Offering respite care to caregivers
• Assisting with administrative tasks
• Supporting veteran programs
• Helping with special events

“No matter what gifts you have to give, we’ll find a role that’s right for you,” Johnson added.

Join the Hosparus Health Volunteer Family
Whether you sing, craft, organize, or simply lend a listening ear, there’s a place for everyone at Hosparus Health. Explore the many ways to volunteer and discover how you can help bring comfort, peace, and support to those who need it most.

To get involved or learn about our upcoming training sessions, visit hosparushealth.org/volunteers