Hospice partners with veterans’ group

Hospice of the Shenandoah has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We Honor Veterans is a program to help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women. As a We Honor Veterans Partner, Hospice of the Shenandoah will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the Veterans they proudly serve.

“While 28 percent of American dying today are veterans, only 4 percent are cared for in Veterans Administration facilities. We are honored to be part of an Augusta Health team that provides care for those who cared for our country. We find it especially important to acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families and provide them with the support they deserve,” said Rev. Mark Westebbe, the chaplaincy program coordinator.

By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Hospice of the Shenandoah is able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. In cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s　 military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, Hospice of the Shenandoah will find tools to help support those they are caring for. The resources of We Honor Veterans focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, coupled with Veteran-centric education of health care staff caring for Veterans.

“We’ve always cared for our veterans, but we hope this program will make us more aware and educate us in ways to improve care and honor our veterans,” added Teri Humphries, clinical coordinator at Hospice of the Shenandoah.

“All hospices are serving Veterans but often aren’t aware of that person’s service in the armed forces,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping hospice and palliative care providers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life and work more effectively with VA medical facilities in their communities.”