Specialized hospice care program honors and supports veterans facing terminal illness

Specialized hospice care program honors and supports veterans facing terminal illness 
NBC 10 News - WSLS, Southwest and Centeral Virginia; by Kelly Marsh; updated 11/7/24 
In Southwest Virginia, a quarter of people with a terminal illness is a veteran, a statistic that highlights the unique challenges many former service members face in their final days. In response to this, several specialized hospice programs in the region have been developed to offer care that specifically addresses the needs of veterans as they navigate the end-of-life journey. For many veterans, the experience of facing terminal illness is compounded by the physical and emotional toll of their military service, particularly conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. ... The We Honor Veterans program, created through a partnership between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, encourages hospice centers to offer a heightened level of care for veterans. Across Southwest Virginia, multiple hospice programs have achieved the highest level of recognition—Level 5—demonstrating their commitment to providing veterans with the best possible care. One such program is based in Franklin County. Despite its size, Carilion Hospice in Franklin County has earned a five-star status for its exceptional veteran services ...
Editor's note: We thank and recognize all hospice organizations that find meaningful ways to support and honor your veterans. Click here for more information about NHPCO/The Alliance for Care at Home's We Honor Veterans program.