What does being a Hospice Volunteer entail?
It’s all about giving your attentive presence to another - you focus on your assigned patient to be a "companion". We’re looking for people with big hearts, who are good listeners, and okay with just being quiet sometimes and sitting with a patient too. We request that you have approximately 1-3 hours per week available whenever assigned to a patient, have good personal boundaries and the ability to keep all visits confidential. Our volunteers repeatedly tell us and others; they’ve gained so much more from this volunteer work than they have ever given. You may offer companionship, provide respite to caregivers, assist with writing/reading and answer other patient and family needs. At end of life your support is greatly appreciated by our staff and those we serve! Orientation is all online.
If you are also a veteran, you have the opportunity to become a companion to another veteran who is now a hospice patient.
Allina Health's hospice program is a "We Honor Vet's" Level 4 Hospice and we are building upon this commitment to honor and support our veterans at end of life.