Volunteer Program
One of the last good things that may happen in a person’s life…
is a Hospice Volunteer !
Whatever skill or interest you possess, we have a spot for you to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of others.
If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Deb Louwagie at
507-337-0080 or info@prairiehomehospice.org
Hospice Volunteers
Hospice Volunteers provide important services to hospice organizations and the people they serve. Whether it’s providing companionship to a person in the final months and weeks of life, offering support to family members and caregivers, or helping with community outreach and fundraising, the contributions of volunteers are essential to the important work provided by our nation’s hospice programs.
Patient Volunteers
Patient Volunteers may visit patients in their home, at one of our hospice houses, or in the hospital/ nursing home setting. In the home, volunteers may provide respite for the caregiver so she /he can get out and do some errands while you are keeping the patient company. Patients often love to talk about their history. Being a good listener is a quality we look for in our patient volunteers. Other activities may include spending time with patients doing activities like playing cards, reading, listening to music, assisting with letter-writing, or doing puzzles.
In the home setting, patient volunteers may also assist with things like laundry, ironing, light housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, taking patients to their doctor appointments or taking the patient for a drive. Regulations require that all Patient Volunteers who will interact with patients receive training before having contact with patients. Prairie Home Hospice provides the training and support that volunteers need to do their job.
House Team Volunteers
House Team Volunteers include:
Mealtime Volunteers assist with meal preparation and serving at one of our hospice houses. Their duties include assisting with meal preparation, service and clean up. Mealtime Volunteers are encouraged to interact with patients and family members as part of a caring team.
Volunteer Bakers are welcome to come into our hospice houses any day to bake sweets for the patients and their families. This volunteer opportunity provides a very flexible schedule. Patients are comforted by the sweet smell of cookies baking – and most enjoy eating them as well!
Handyman Volunteers help with minor fixes and projects, which may include things like hanging pictures, changing light bulbs, and other light duty maintenance tasks. These volunteers are called when needed.
Yard & Garden Volunteers help keep our hospice house grounds looking beautiful. We have a team of volunteers who keeps both hospice house yards mowed and trimmed. Other volunteers assist with spring clean-up, spring flower planting, summer weeding & watering, and fall cleanup. Our hospice houses have large yards with multiple gardens. Lockwood House also has an incredibly beautiful water feature and pond. We have a special team that helps to maintain the water feature/pond all season long. There’s always room for more hands to keep our yards, gardens and water feature/pond beautiful – so that our patients and families can enjoy their them during the milder months of the year.
Equipment Volunteers
Equipment Volunteers help with the delivery of lift chairs and other equipment to patient homes and assist in bringing the equipment back when the patient no longer needs it. Equipment Volunteers must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and travel to nearby communities to make deliveries from time to time. Some deliveries may require two volunteers, with one of the volunteers having access to a pick-up truck or van that can accommodate the equipment. Volunteers who are handy and can help with the repair and maintenance of our lift chairs, walkers, wheelchairs and other equipment are also needed.
Office Volunteers
Office Volunteers assist with light office duties, such as helping to prepare and mail thank you notes, filing, making copies, or assisting with office phones and reception duties. Office volunteers may assist with special projects or large mailings. Volunteers with computer experience may assist with computer entries, data base maintenance, etc. Office volunteers may assist with scrapbooking the many letters, cards and memorials received.
Special Event Volunteers
Special Event Volunteers help with our fundraising activities throughout the year. Our annual fundraising events include the Charity Event & Auction; Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign; Raffle; A Light to Remember; and Holiday Light Up the Night. Each fundraiser offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can choose which event(s) and which activity(s) best fits their interest. Use your creative flair to help with decorating; your organizational skills to help with planning; your people skills to help sell tickets, assist at the event or help promote the event. Whatever your special skills, we have a place for you and invite you to become a part of our special fundraising events!