Spartanburg, SC – Many Americans do not realize that 1 in 4 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.
As a We Honor Veterans partner, Hospice Care of South Carolina is providing specialized care to Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs created We Honor Veterans to empower hospice and other healthcare providers across America to meet the unique needs of seriously ill Veterans and their families.
“Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping healthcare professionals and volunteers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life,” said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. “It is time that we step up and acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve
Within the WHV program, there are four levels of distinction that Hospice Care of South Carolina can earn based on its involvement with Veteran education and its interaction with the Veterans and their family members that they are caring for. The goal of these levels is to ensure the very best care is being provided to those who have served our country. Hospice Care of South Carolina is currently at a level two.
“Our goal is to recognize the unique needs of veterans and their families receiving hospice care and to partner with organizations in the community and the Veterans Administration to enhance support and services provided to this population,” stated Diane Carlson, Support Services Specialist. “We have a service excellence team that is multidisciplinary and includes veterans from several branches of service. We have provided education at the South Carolina Association of County Veteran Affairs Officers Fall Training three (3) years in a row and are in the process of meeting with individual Veterans Affairs Officers in each county to determine local needs and opportunities for collaboration,” she added.
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.
Learn more at www.WeHonorVeterans.org or www.hospicecare.net .
