Many Americans do not realize that one in four of all deaths in the U.S. are Veterans. As the nation honors these American heroes for their military service on Veterans Day, November 11, it’s important to remember that they also deserve recognition and compassionate care when dealing with a serious illness.
These Americans have made profound sacrifices in defense of freedom and they deserve heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Honoring our nation’s Veterans includes supporting them throughout their entire lives, especially at the end.
“As our nation marks Veterans Day, Huron Regional Medical Center’s Community Hospice deepens our commitment to increase Veterans’ access to the compassionate, high-quality care available from hospice care providers,” said Elizabeth Watson, RN, director of HRMC Community Hospice and home health. “One of the ways we’re making this happen is through our active involvement with We Honor Veterans, an innovative program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that was created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
More than 1,000 hospice organizations across the country have joined We Honor Veterans and are increasing their skills and capacity for serving Veterans. Activities range from utilizing a military history checklist at admission, recognition events like pinning ceremonies and certificate presentations to outreach to other community organizations.
Watson encourages every American to say, ‘thank you’ to our country’s Veterans. Not just on November 11 but all year long. “Ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in your community whether they have served in the military – you may be surprised how many have,” Watson said. “As we celebrate our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day – and every day of the year – we must not forget that it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home.”
If you know a Veteran who is in need of the special care hospice brings to people facing serious and life-limiting illness, please reach out and help them learn more about care options. Information is available from HRMC Community Hospice by calling 605-353-6520.
For more information on the work that is being done at the national level to expand care for Veterans at the end of life, please visit www.WeHonorVeterans.org.