Become a Hospice Volunteer
Call today to learn more.
CentraCare Health Hospice - 320-259-9375
Are you interested in helping patients and families make the most of the final months, weeks and days of life? Do you believe that no one should die alone, unless it is their wish? Becoming a hospice volunteer may be a great fit.
What do hospice volunteers do?
The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with the patient and family to match their needs with volunteer services. Volunteers:
- Give respite and emotional support to the patient and family.
- Provide caring companionship to the patient.
- Listen to the concerns and fears of patients and family.
- Provide transportation or help with shopping/errands.
- Read to the patient.
- Write letters for the patient.
- Perform light house duties.
- Provide grief and bereavement support to families and caregivers in the months following the death of their loved one.
Most volunteers want to be involved with patients and families, others might prefer helping in the office setting. You can ask to be placed in a setting that is most comfortable to you.
Qualifications
- Sensitivity
- Maturity/self-understanding
- Flexibility
- Patience
- Reliability
- A dedicated and compassionate desire to help others
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Appreciation of the hospice philosophy
- Emotional stability and able to deal with difficult discussions about death and dying
- Ability to respect and maintain patient and family rights and confidentiality
How much time are volunteers expected to serve?
The amount of volunteer time varies. In most cases, volunteers serve two to three hours per week.
Where do volunteers go for support?
The volunteer coordinator works closely with all volunteers. The hospice team also is available to support volunteers. Meetings take place where volunteers can support each. Ongoing end-of-life education is offered.
How do I become a hospice volunteer?
For more information:
CentraCare Health Hospice - call 320-259-9375
The hospice volunteer coordinator will schedule an interview with you.
Flexible volunteer training system
Volunteers choose the training option they prefer and complete it at their own pace. Training options include:
- Viewing DVDs or online videos and completing a workbook
- Attending training sessions as part of a larger group on a scheduled basis
Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program
CentraCare Health Hospice utilizes veterans and their family members as hospice volunteers. Pairing a veteran volunteer with a dying veteran often results in a mutual camaraderie and brotherhood.
Hospice volunteers who also are veterans have a unique ability to support other veterans and their family at end of life. The veteran hospice volunteer offers a quiet solitude to dying veterans in a deep, trusting and understanding relationship.
The veteran hospice volunteer can participate in a beautiful ceremony at which the dying patient is given a certificate with their name on it and service category. The ceremony is a touching and memorable experience.
