The Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis’ (VNA) Hospice Care Program is proud to be recognized by We Honor Veterans as a Level 1 organization. We Honor Veterans is a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and designates that an organization recognizes and follows through on serving the unique needs of Veterans.
What is We Honor Veterans?
According to their website, We Honor Veterans “invites hospices, state hospice organizations, Hospice-Veteran Partnerships and VA facilities to join a pioneering program focused on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment… in partnership with VA staff, [organizations] will learn how to accompany and guide them through their life stories toward a more peaceful ending.”
What are the goals of We Honor Veterans organizations?
The goals of We Honor Veterans are as follows:
Promote Veteran-centric educational activities
Increase organizational capacity to serve Veterans
Support development of strategic partnerships
Increase access and improve quality
What does it mean to be a “Level 1” organization?
Level 1 organizations through We Honor Veterans “Provide Veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers, and identify patients with military experience.” VNA is committed to educating our staff on the unique needs of veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual trauma and substance use disorders.
What do Veteran patients receive under VNA’s Hospice Care program?
Hospice care is end-of-life medical and emotional care for patients faced with terminal illnesses and help and support for their caregivers.
While under Veteran hospice care from VNA (and all patients), a patient receives:
A specially trained staff to deal with the symptoms and emotional needs at the end of life.
Medications and medical equipment.
Volunteers, both people and pets, to help with stress and loneliness.
Physician guided care and ease of obtaining needed medications.
Bereavement care for 13 months following the death of a loved one.
RN care available 24 hours per day by phone and by visit if needed.
To get in contact with VNA’s Hospice Care team, visit https://www.vnastl.com/hospice-care
To read some frequently asked questions regarding hospice, visit https://www.vnastl.com/post/hospice-care-questions
To read about misconceptions regarding hospice care, visit https://www.vnastl.com/post/hospice-care-misconceptions
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