Ravenna – It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent 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, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice has been honored to care for many of the veterans of Portage County. We are excited about furthering our partnership with the VA and the opportunity to learn more about the specific needs of the veterans we serve,” stated Dina Douglas, LISW-S, Social Work and Bereavement Coordinator for Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice. “Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice is dedicated to developing relationships with the many providers of care, including the Veteran’s Commission.”
As a We Honor Veterans Partner, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the veterans we proudly serve.
The nation is seeing many of the veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War pass away—and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.
The We Honor Veterans campaign provides recognition to organizations 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 into their organization.
By recognizing the unique needs of our nation’s veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice is better able to accompany and guide veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. And in cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran’s military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice will find tools to help support those they are caring for.
“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,” stated Schumacher.
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.
“As we prepare to honor our veterans who served so bravely at Pearl Harbor and throughout World War II, we are reminded of those many veterans who returned from service without fanfare or thanks, Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice commends all of you for your willingness to serve and protect us,” said Douglas.
To learn more about We Honor Veterans or to support this important work via a secure, online donation, please visit www.wehonorveterans.org.
