It may surprise many to learn that 25 percent of all deaths in the U.S. are veterans. As the nation prepares to honor these American heroes for their military service on Veterans Day, we need to remember that our veterans also deserve recognition and compassionate care when the end of life’s journey approaches. Veterans have endured unique experiences that most people will never encounter during their lifetimes; their need for customized care and support during the last phase of life is essential.
Recognizing the unique clinical, psychological and spiritual needs of veterans, Hospice of Queen Anne’s has implemented the We Honor Veterans program, a project sponsored jointly by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through education, strategic partnership resources and individual veteran recognition ceremonies, Hospice of Queen Anne’s is on its way to becoming a veteran-centric organization.
“As a hospice provider, our goal is to recognize the unique needs of the community’s veterans who are living with a terminal illness so that we are able to guide these men and women toward a more peaceful ending,” said Sharon Loving, HQA’s supervisor of support services .
For veterans who have experienced combat service or other trauma, this can be particularly important as experiences from the past may resurface at the end of life.
Loving said it is common for military veterans to be unaware of the practical resources and benefits available to them, such as memorial benefits. “We make sure during our visits that the patient and family understand all that is available to them,” she said.
As part of the We Honor Veterans activities, Hospice of Queen Anne’s also conducts recognition and pinning ceremonies for each of the veteran patients. Family members and hospice staff assemble in the patient’s home or at their bedside in the Hospice Center. They are presented with a framed certificate of appreciation, a table-top American flag, a patriotic lap quilt and a pin.
“We have recently added a new component to our veterans program,” said Courtney Williams, who coordinates the We Honor Veterans program for HQA. “For veterans admitted to the Hospice Center, an American flag and the flag of the veteran’s branch of service are posted outside the door where the patient resides.”
To learn more about HQA’s We Honor Veterans program and hospice care for veterans, call 443-262-4100 or visit HQA online atwww.hospiceofqueenannes.org.
In photo, at left: Quentin O. Cupp, an 88 year-old veteran and Washington Redskins fan from Stevensville was recognized in August for his 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy as part of the Hospice of Queen Anne’s We Honor Veterans program. Pictured with Cupp in his home following the recognition ceremony is his hospice nurse, Stephanie Nicholson, R.N.
In photo, above: Pictured with Quentin O. Cupp, seated, in his home following the recognition ceremony are grandson Daniel Cupp, in uniform on left; grandson Albert Waters; and son Quentin Cupp, Jr.