Veterans Hospice Program: Honoring Those Who Served

The Veterans Program at Ascend Hospice provides specialized hospice care for patients who have served our country in the Armed Forces.

An older man with glasses, wearing a plaid shirt, engages in conversation with a person seated nearby.

Specialized Veterans Hospice Care at Ascend Health

We understand that veterans have unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs during their end-of-life journey. Our comprehensive veterans hospice program is designed to address these specific needs with dignity, respect, and gratitude for their service.

As a partner of the We Honor Veterans program (WHV), our staff is equipped to provide compassionate hospice for veterans that acknowledges their unique life experiences and honors their contributions to our nation.

A friendly male caregiver holds the hand of a senior man while they sit on a couch together.

How Our Veterans Hospice Program Helps

A cornerstone of our veterans hospice program is the special recognition ceremony provided for each veteran. This meaningful event acknowledges and validates the service and sacrifice made by both veterans and their families. Family members often find these ceremonies healing and meaningful as they celebrate their loved one’s military service.

As partners of the We Honor Veterans program, we receive training that covers common issues that affect our veterans population, including:

  • Combat-related physical conditions
  • Post-traumatic stress
  • Emotional needs specific to different eras of service
  • Military culture and communication
  • End-of-life concerns unique to veterans
A senior man from behind salutes an American flag flying on a pole in front of a house.

Veterans Hospice Benefits: Support for Military Families

For families seeking hospice for veterans, understanding the comprehensive benefits and support available is essential. Ascend’s Veterans Hospice Program goes beyond standard care to address the specific needs of those who served our country and their loved ones.

Our veterans hospice care includes specialized services that military families may not find in traditional hospice settings. We assist veterans in accessing their earned VA benefits, which can complement the care provided through our program. For veterans in need of caregiver support, we offer additional resources including education, respite options, and connections to veteran service organizations.

The emotional journey of caring for our veterans at end-of-life presents unique challenges. Our compassionate team understands these complexities and provides tailored support to help families navigate this difficult time. Whether addressing service-related health conditions or honoring military experiences, our veteran program creates an environment of respect and understanding.

By choosing Ascend’s veterans hospice services, families ensure their loved ones receive the specialized attention and recognition they deserve after a lifetime of service and sacrifice for our nation.

FAQs - Veterans Hospice Care

Hospice care for veterans follows the same fundamental principles as traditional hospice — providing comfort-focused care when curative treatment is no longer effective — but with important veteran-specific elements. Upon admission, we conduct a military history assessment to understand each veteran’s service background and potential service-related health issues. Our veterans hospice program includes specialized pain and symptom management addressing unique veteran needs, emotional support recognizing military experiences, and assistance navigating VA benefits. Our staff receive specialized training in veteran-specific concerns, ensuring compassionate end-of-life care that acknowledges and respects their service to our country.

With our strong emphasis on education, Ascend Hospice has trained all staff members on the most commonly found issues that pertain to our veteran population. Community education is also supported and provided to increase awareness of veteran and family needs. Staff members are trained in caring for our veterans, performing meaningful recognition ceremonies, and connecting veterans with appropriate benefits. This expertise ensures our veterans hospice care addresses the unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who served our country.

Veteran patients face unique healthcare challenges toward the end-of-life life stage due to military-related injuries or exposures. Our veterans hospice program addresses the specific needs of veterans requiring caregiver support through several specialized approaches. We provide additional resources and training for family caregivers, connecting them with veteran-specific support services and benefits. Our care team conducts detailed assessments to identify service-related conditions that may require specialized attention. For veterans with combat-related trauma or PTSD, we offer specialized emotional support and therapies tailored to their experiences, ensuring dignified and understanding care throughout their hospice journey.

Yes, recognition ceremonies are a cornerstone of our veterans hospice program and each veteran receives a personalized ceremony honoring their military service. Family members are invited to participate in these meaningful events that acknowledge both the veteran’s service and their family’s sacrifices. The Veterans Program provides additional services such as helping coordinate veteran benefits and providing tailored medical and emotional support. These ceremonies and services are fundamental to our commitment to providing dignified hospice for veterans that honors their unique life journey and service to our nation.

Two male senior veterans wearing a cup and standing with their arms around each other outside on a sunny day.

Choosing the Right Hospice for Veterans

When selecting hospice for veterans, families should consider programs specifically designed to address the unique needs of those who served in the Armed Forces. Ascend’s Veterans Hospice Program offers this specialized approach, combining excellent medical care with recognition of military service and understanding of veteran-specific concerns.

By choosing Ascend’s veterans hospice care, families ensure their loved ones receive compassionate, respectful care that honors their service and sacrifice.

If you’re considering hospice for a veteran who served in the Armed Forces, we invite you to learn more about Ascend Health’s Veterans Hospice Program. Our team is ready to provide the specialized care, recognition, and support that acknowledges your loved one’s unique journey and honors their service to our country.

Honoring Veterans with Compassionate Hospice Care

Contact us or call 866.821.1212 to learn more about Ascend’s Veterans Hospice Program.