“It may surprise many people to learn that 25 % of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Hospice of the Ozarks has become a national partner of “We Honor Veterans,” a pioneering campaign developed by the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs,” states Greg Wood, MS, LSW, Executive Director for Hospice of the Ozarks.
Hospice of the Ozarks has met stringent requirements that will help improve the care that the team of professionals and volunteers provide to the Veterans they proudly serve. The Nation is seeing many of the Veterans who served in World War II and Korean War die and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.
The “We Honor Veterans” campaign provides tiered recognition to organization (Partners) that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for Veterans. “Partners” can assess their ability to serve Veterans and, using resources provided as part of the campaign, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to Veterans in their organizations. By recognizing the unique needs of our Nation’s Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Hospice of the Ozarks is able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful end-of-life experience. 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 Ozarks will provide tools to help support the veteran and family,” states Wood.
The resources of “We Honor Veterans” focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgement, coupled with Veteran-centric education of health care staff caring for Veterans. “America’s Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with dignity they deserve,” states Edo Banach, President & CEO of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.
For more information on how Veterans are honored and supported through the services of Hospice of the Ozarks, call 870.508.1771 or stop by the office at 811 Burnett Drive in Mountain Home, Arkansas or email Deanna Lind, Volunteer Coordinator at dmlind@baxterregional.org.
