Honoring Our Veterans: Unity’s Commitment to Individualized Hospice Care

This Veterans Day, and every day, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care honors the service of over 18.2 million Veterans living in the United States. These brave people have made immense sacrifices. They deserve end-of-life care that respects their unique experiences and supports their needs. Unity Hospice and Palliative Care has a specialization in Veteran-centered care. Our team goes beyond standard care by understanding and addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Veterans at the end of life.

Meeting Veteran’s Unique Needs in Hospice Care

More Than Physical Comfort

Veterans face unique challenges in hospice care. Some carry emotional scars that affect their peace at the end of life. Unity Hospice is here to provide the specialized support they need.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and social isolation are common among Veterans. At the end of life, these issues may be triggered, creating new challenges. Our Veterans Care Program is designed to help them find comfort and dignity.

At the end of life, these challenges can become more intense, making it difficult for them to feel comfortable or find peace. That’s why our hospice care for Veterans isn’t just about medical treatments—it’s also about providing personalized emotional and spiritual care that acknowledges their service and supports their emotional well-being.

PTSD and End-of-Life Care for Veterans

Veterans who suffer from PTSD often face difficulties as they near the end of their lives. They may experience:

• Nightmares or flashbacks to traumatic events 

• Survivor’s guilt, making it hard for them to reconcile their past
• Avoidance of reminders of their military service, including holidays like Veterans Day

• Irritability and emotional outbursts

• Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep  

These difficulties are a heavy burden. Unity’s Veteran specific training enables Care Teams to offer emotional support and help them cope. We honor their service and give them the understanding they deserve. We take the time to learn about each Veteran’s unique experiences and tailor our care to meet their specific needs.

Spiritual Care for Veterans: Finding Peace During Life’s Final Days

Spiritual Support Tailored to Veterans

Many Veterans face spiritual questions as they approach the end of their life. These questions often arise from feelings of guilt, remorse, or fear related to memories of their actions or decisions made during wartime. Our chaplains are specifically trained in providing spiritual care to Veterans, offering them the opportunity to explore their beliefs and find peace during their final days.

Judith Mintz, LCSW, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care’s Director of Social Work, explains:
“The emotions Veterans face regarding their service can be profound, and they may feel conflicted about their past actions. It’s important for us to be sensitive to their struggles and to provide a space where they can process these emotions with dignity.”

Our chaplains provide individualized spiritual support, respecting each Veteran’s beliefs and helping them come to terms with their legacy. Whether through prayer, reflection, or quiet companionship, we help Veterans find peace as they approach the end of life.

The Veteran’s History Checklist: Crafting a Personalized Care Plan

Veteran-Centered Care Through Individualized Planning

To ensure every Veteran receives the best possible care, Unity uses a Veteran’s History Checklist to develop a customized Veteran’s care plan. This checklist serves as a tool for social workers to understand the Veteran’s service history, preferences, and emotional needs.

Veterans often have a sense of stoicism and pride in their service, which can make it difficult for them to ask for help. Many may not want to acknowledge their emotional struggles, as they might perceive doing so as a sign of weakness. Unity’s social workers are trained to use this checklist in a way that respects the Veteran’s wishes while offering opportunities for them to accept the help they need with dignity.

Once the Veteran’s history is gathered, a personalized care plan is developed that respects their preferences. For many Veterans, this also includes a special honoring ceremony to celebrate their service. This ceremony, attended by family, friends, and often a representative from their branch of service, is a powerful way to pay tribute to their life and legacy.

Accessing VA Benefits: Support Beyond Hospice Care

Navigating VA Benefits for Veterans and Their Families

The Veterans Administration (VA) offers many benefits, but for many, navigating the system can be confusing. In fact, fewer than 33% of Veterans are enrolled in the VA, largely due to challenges with the system’s complexity.

Unity’s social workers are skilled and dedicated to helping Veterans access the benefits available to them, including healthcare, financial assistance, and hospice care coverage. Veterans can qualify for a range of VA benefits that ease their end-of-life journey, including:

• VA-paid hospice care 

• Healthcare through the VA’s Whole Health program
• Disability benefits, monthly pensions, and housing assistance

• Burial benefits, including military funeral honors, flags, and grave markers

• Support for families and caregivers, including health care and life
  insurance 

• VA-supported nursing home care for Veterans no longer able to remain at home
  insurance 

We understand that the process of accessing VA benefits can be overwhelming, and our team is committed to making it as smooth as possible for Veterans and their families. By offering guidance and support, we help ensure that Veterans receive all the benefits they deserve.

We Honor Veterans: Unity’s Partnership with a National Program

Veteran-Centered Care Through We Honor Veterans

Unity Hospice and Palliative Care is proud to be part of the We Honor Veterans (WHV) program, a nationwide initiative created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Through WHV, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care receives ongoing training, tools, and resources designed to enhance care for Veterans.

Our team has received specialized training on a variety of Veteran-specific issues, including moral injury, homelessness, and service-related illnesses. This training helps us provide the most compassionate and informed care possible.

As part of WHV, Unity volunteer coordinators plan ongoing visits and events to honor Veterans in their home and long-term care facilities. These events include Veterans Honoring and Veterans Day celebrations and are a meaningful way to show appreciation for Veterans’ sacrifices.

In 2023, WHV helped over 30,000 Veterans, enrolling thousands in VA programs and facilitating numerous Veteran recognition events. We are proud to be a part of this impactful program.

Unity’s Commitment to Veterans

Unity Hospice Salutes Veterans

At Unity Hospice and Palliative Care, we understand that Veterans deserve more than just standard hospice care—they deserve specialized, compassionate care that honors their service and sacrifices. Through our partnership with the Veterans Administration and We Honor Veterans, we provide individualized care to ensure Veterans receive the support they need at the end of life.

If you or a loved one is a Veteran in need of hospice care, Unity is here for you. We will work closely with you to navigate VA benefits, create a personalized Veterans care plan, and offer emotional and spiritual support during this important time.