Page 13 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

Honoring Veterans with

Compassionate End-of-Life Care:
How Hospice Serves Those Who’ve Served

by Kara Copeland, MBA, BSN, RN, BeyondFaith Hospice

or the men and women who wore the uniform of the United in service—until their final days. Hospice providers trained in
States Armed Forces, the journey of service often leaves veteran-specific care create safe spaces for these conversations,
Fa lasting impact—on their bodies, their minds, and their helping patients find peace, closure, and meaning.
hearts. As these veterans age, many face complex health challeng-
es shaped by both time and service. That’s where hospice care We also believe in honoring veterans while they are still with us.
steps in—not only to manage pain and symptoms, but to provide Through recognition, personalized military branch tributes, and
dignity, comfort, and honor at the end of life. legacy projects, we acknowledge the sacrifice and strength of each
veteran we serve. These moments are often deeply moving for
At its core, hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on quality families and caregivers, offering connection and pride during a
of life rather than curative treatment. It is designed for individu- time that can otherwise feel uncertain.
als with a life-limiting illness who have chosen comfort care over
aggressive interventions. But for veterans, hospice can be so much Hospice also helps families navigate benefits and resources
more. through the VA, coordinates with military funeral honors, and
ensures each veteran receives the respectful care they deserve.
Many hospices, including ours, participate in the We Honor Vet-
erans program—an initiative developed by the National Hospice If you or a loved one is a veteran living with a serious illness,
and Palliative Care Organization in partnership with the Depart- know that hospice is not about giving up—it’s about living fully
ment of Veterans Affairs. This program equips hospice teams with the time you have. It’s about honoring your story, your service,
with tools to meet the unique physical, emotional, and spiritual and your right to finish life with dignity.
needs of veterans. To learn more about how hospice can support veterans, we wel-

Veterans may carry invisible wounds such as PTSD, moral injury, come your questions. It would be our honor to walk this part of
or survivor’s guilt. They may have never spoken about their time the journey with you. Please call 1-800-HOSPICE.