Volunteer with Allina Health Hospice

It's the little things we do that can make the biggest impact on the lives of others. Whether you are looking to build your resume, or bring new meaning to your free time, you can make a difference at Allina Health Hospice! Share your skills and talents with our hospice patients, their families and caregivers through a variety of volunteer opportunities and the life you change may be your own. 

Volunteer opportunities

There are many opportunities to share your skills and talents as a volunteer and support hospice patients, their family and caregivers. Opportunities include:

  • bereavement/grief
  • comfort shawl program
  • companionship
  • energy work
  • hair stylists
  • Homestead hospitality greeters
  • Homestead bakers and/or meal servers 
  • legacy projects
  • massage therapy
  • meal delivery to Homestead
  • musical interactions
  • office support
  • pet therapy
  • residential hospice support
  • We Honor Veterans
  • 11th hour

Volunteers who choose to work directly with patients are considered part of the care team, but typically work independently. Direct patient volunteers receive regular email communication from volunteer coordinators with updates on patients and team members. It is important that direct volunteers feel comfortable making visits independently, are dependable and proficient with email. 

Volunteer locations

Volunteers support patients living in our service area, which includes 33 Minnesota counties and three Wisconsin counties. We care for patients wherever they call home, including: private homes, assisted living centers, skilled nursing homes, facilities, group homes and residential hospice facilities.

To talk to someone about becoming a hospice volunteer, call the location closest to you:

Twin Cities metro and western Wisconsin
612-262-7108

Cambridge area
612-262-7061

Hutchinson/Glencoe area
320-234-5031

New Ulm area
507-217-5111

Owatonna area
507-446-0936

How to become a volunteer

To become a hospice volunteer you will need to:

  1. complete an online application for the location nearest you
  2. pass a criminal background check (a state ID or driver's license number is required)
  3. interview with a volunteer coordinator
  4. complete new volunteer training, offered at regional and metro locations
  5. get a health screening (your social security number is required)

This entire process typically takes about four weeks from the time of the online application. If you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, we recommend waiting 12 months before applying.

Volunteer training

Training includes a combination of in-person classes and online learning. Volunteers who choose to work directly with hospice patients, or their family, must complete a minimum of nine hours of training. Further training or professional certification may be required depending on the volunteer role you choose.