Hospice of Siouxland is excited to take part in a national effort to educate staff, caregivers and veterans in the community about the care of veterans at the end of life.

The Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program aims to pair veteran volunteers with hospice patients who have served their country in any military branch.

Once paired with hospice patients who also have military experience, these veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each patient to create an environment where life review and healing may occur.

The program is part of a national Hospice of Siouxland partnership, and its mission is to learn how to serve veterans through the challenges they may be facing from illness, isolation or traumatic life experience.

While that mission may be straightforward, fulfilling it is anything but simple, as each patient has a unique life story and a unique set of needs. And when it comes to the needs of America’s veterans, if we are unprepared, our mission can be challenged or even made impossible.

The Veteran to Veteran program focuses on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment. By recognizing their unique needs, we can learn how to accompany and guide America’s veterans and their families through their life stories toward a peaceful ending.

America’s veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero’s welcome home. Now it is time to step up, and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve.

https://hospiceofsiouxland.com/vet-to-vet-program-aims-to-improve-veteran-care/