Share Love, Laughter, and Paws – Volunteers Wanted to Bless Hospice Patients in Cottage Grove, MN!

Become a Hospice Companion Volunteer with Optage Hospice, the service division of Presbyterian Homes and Services

Hospice is compassionate, person-centered care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals living with a terminal illness—as well as their families and caregivers. Companion Volunteers play a vital role in bringing connection, peace, and joy to patients in their final season of life.

What Does a Companion Volunteer Do?

Every patient is unique, and so is every volunteer experience. As a Companion Volunteer, you’ll work one-on-one with a patient—and sometimes their family—to provide meaningful presence and support. Examples of activities volunteers have offered include:

• Reading aloud (novels, poetry, devotionals, or the Bible)
• Helping with letter writing
• Painting nails or assisting with simple grooming (combing hair, etc.)
• Light household tasks
• Taking wheelchair walks
• Accompanying patients to activities, events, or Chapel
• Socializing or sharing life stories
• Playing cards or simple games
• Reviewing photo albums or videos together
• Providing pet visits
• Sharing music, singing, or playing an instrument
• Gentle hand massage or comforting presence

Your own talents, skills, and passions help shape what you do—and we match volunteers with patients who they feel like is a good fit.

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone with a compassionate heart and a desire to serve. Volunteers do not need medical experience. Pet visitors are also welcome—animals do not need to be certified therapy pets; they just need to be friendly, enjoy gentle attention, and not jump up on things or be food-driven.

Training and Support

All volunteers become certified through Optage Hospice’s volunteer training program. Because Optage Hospice specializes in caring for individuals living with dementia in the final stages of life, volunteers must be comfortable working with this population. Don’t worry — we provide all required training, ongoing support, and continuing education.