AI Matches Hospice Volunteers to Patients Who Need Them Most

Hospice volunteers are getting help from an unexpected partner: artificial intelligence that matches them with patients they're best suited to support.

Organizations like Angel Hands Hospice and Palliative Care in Texas are using AI tools to pair volunteers with patients based on shared interests, skills, and care preferences. The technology analyzes what volunteers enjoy doing and what patients need, creating connections that feel natural and meaningful.

"It's going to help us match them with the right patient," said Shaena Whitney, director of volunteer services at Angel Hands. The AI can identify whether someone would thrive helping with administrative tasks or spending time directly with patients.

The innovation comes as hospices face growing competition to attract and keep volunteers. Medicare requires that volunteers provide at least 5% of patient care hours, a benchmark that can be challenging to meet.

Virtual volunteering has also expanded since the pandemic, letting people contribute without rigid time constraints. Volunteers can now connect with patients over video calls or handle paperwork from home, making their five hours of service more impactful.

The Ripple Effect

The shift toward AI-powered volunteering is attracting younger people who want their time to count. Jennifer Scurry, administrator at Caring Cove Hospice in Indiana, noticed that new volunteers seek mission-driven opportunities that align with their personal values.

The technology helps hospices understand what matters most to potential volunteers, then creates custom pathways that keep them engaged long-term. Someone passionate about music might be matched with a patient who loves classical piano, while an avid gardener could visit someone who misses tending their roses.

Wade Udelhoven, talent acquisition manager at Wisconsin nonprofit Agrace, emphasized that efficiency matters. When volunteers know their time is being used wisely to reach more patients, they're more likely to return.

The human touch remains central to hospice care, but AI is making those human connections easier to forge and sustain.