Winona Health hospice welcoming volunteers and offering training ‌

Winona Health is offering training for people age 18 and older who are interested in becoming hospice volunteers. Winona Area Hospice Services is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin and provides care within a 25-mile radius of Winona. Patients are accepted from all healthcare organizations.

‌Hospice volunteers commit to spending at least one hour each week enhancing the lives of individuals living with a terminal illness and their families This may include administrative tasks, respite care, companionship visits and spending time with hospice patients and their families throughout their hospice care experience. Hospice care is provided in a variety of settings including private homes, assisted living residences, skilled nursing homes, and group homes.

‌Hospice staff provide extensive training, covering everything from the various roles of hospice volunteers and staff, to how to support patients and their families, and understanding the bereavement process.

‌Training consists of an initial orientation and an independent online training. After these are completed, there will be an in-person meeting. All meetings are held in the hospice office at Senior Living at Watkins, 175 E. Wabasha St. in Winona.

‌Those interested in volunteering are asked to complete an online volunteer application prior to orientation. The application can be found at Volunteers. Click on the Become a Volunteer button.

‌Those who are interested or have questions are invited to contact Jane at jane.menke@winonahealth.org or call the Winona Health Hospice office at 507.457.4468.