Hospice: Several Volunteer Opportunities! Hutchinson and surrounding areas

Life is made up of a mosaic of special moments. We believe that volunteering for Ecumen Hospice can be one of yours. As part of our hospice team, we will collectively work towards ensuring a full life for our hospice patients, right until the very end.

We have several different volunteer roles:

1. COMPANION VOLUNTEERS provide personal interaction, comforting presence, and small moments of joy. Companions can also offer caregiver respite and/or practical help around the home.
2. VET TO VET VOLUNTEERS offer a unique ability to relate and connect to fellow veteran patients, either as a companion or while conducting veteran pinning ceremonies.
3. VIGIL VOLUNTEERS offer comfort and support tailored to a patient’s needs in the final days and hours. Vigil volunteers also offer respite to caregivers, giving them peace of mind that someone is present while they are unable to be by their loved one’s side. Vigil volunteers may be present at time of death.
4. HOSPICE HOUNDS volunteers are a registered therapy animal and their human teammate provide a calming, friendly presence, and are known to reduce stress and anxiety.

LOCATION

Our hospice services are provided wherever one calls home, which could include a private home or care community, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

First, ask yourself:

• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Can you commit to a minimum of four hours a month for six months?
• Are you comfortable with death and the dying process, or have an openness and willingness to learn?
• Are you dependable and able to work independently?

If yes to all of the above, the following are steps to getting involved, typically taking 3-4 weeks to complete:

• Interview with a member of our volunteer services team
• Submit to background and reference checks
• Complete online training, at your own pace
• Attend virtual wrap-up session

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

• A flexible schedule at a location that is convenient for you
• Consistent and accessible staff support
• Provided PPE and infection control training
• Ongoing guidance and education to ensure you are comfortable and effective in your role
• Ability to take a leave of absence at any time

For more information: Please visit our website at ecumen.org/hospice/volunteers/ or call us at 651-714-0200.