Needs From: Greater Mankato Area United Way

COMPANION VOLUNTEERS provide a personal interaction, comforting presence, and small moments of joy. Companions can also offer caregiver respite and/or practical help around the home.

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 www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

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. 

Vigil volunteers serve on an on-call, as-needed basis (agreeing to be on our call list when needs arise, but not required to agree to every vigil visit we ask about). Typically 2-6 hours per vigil visit.

*We often ask those interested in final days vigil to serve as a companion volunteer for 6 months before transitioning to this role. We can discuss your interest level and personal experience with death/dying during the interview process. 

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 www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

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.

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 a veteran yourself? 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 www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

If you have a furry friend that brings joy everywhere you go, this is the position for you! If your pet is already registered through a pet therapy program, you can apply immediately to become an Ecumen Hospice Hounds team volunteer. While dogs are the most common animal to join our Hospice Hounds teams, we are open to all therapy pets!

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? Do you have a registered therapy animal*? 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 www.ecumenhospice.org/volunteers or call us at 651-714-0200

*If you have a pet that you think would make a great therapy animal, but is not yet registered, below are a few organizations you can contact to get that process started. There are others in the area, so feel free to do your research and find one that fits your schedule, location, needs and budget. Make sure to tell them you’d like to become an Ecumen Hospice volunteer once you’re done!

Therapy Dogs International: http://tdi-dog.org/ Pet Partners: https://petpartners.org/ The Alliance of Therapy Dogs: www.therapydogs.com