Honoring Veterans & Veteran Volunteers

Honoring Veterans and 1 Out of Every 4 Americans Veteran Volunteers Dying is a Veteran Amedisys company in Lincoln, NE collaborates with the Lincoln Quilters

As we care for our hospice pa- Guild to present our Veteran patients tients, we see that active military with a Quilt of Valor. The mission of personnel or Veterans may have the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to unique and special needs that cover service members and veterans enable us to care for them in a very touched by war with comforting and special way. They may have served healing Quilts of Valor. in combat, witnessed their comrades As part of our Volunteer Program die in battle or suffered trauma and our partnership with the We during their military service which Honor Veterans Program, we utihas created memories that have lize Veteran Volunteers within our been hidden away for years. They Volunteer Program. Our Veteran Volmay have never told anyone about unteers are active members of the their experiences and only when military or Veterans, who are trained they have developed a relationship as a Hospice Volunteer to serve as with their hospice team are they a specialized hospice volunteer to able to finally share their stories and help care and meet the needs of our memories and achieve a true peace Veteran patients at the end of life which heals their heart and soul. in our Vet to Vet Volunteer Program.

AseraCare Hospice an Amedisys Our Veteran Volunteers make regular company in Lincoln, NE is proud visits to the Veteran patient, allowto be a Level 4 We Honor Veterans ing them to share their stories with Partner. We Honor Veterans is a someone who understands military national program conducted by the culture and/or military history. National Hospice and Palliative Care It is a great privilege for AseraCare Organization in cooperation with the Hospice an Amedisys company in Department of Veteran Affairs. This Lincoln, NE to collaborate with the program assists hospice profes- Lincoln Quilters Guild and our Vetersionals to better understand the an Volunteers to honor the Veterans challenges Veterans may be facing who come to us for care, to thank during their end-of-life journey. We them for their service to our country are proud to coordinate and offer and to help them find peace and special ceremonies and services comfort in their end-of-life journey. ~ such as our Vet-to-Vet cafes, We Honor Veterans pinning ceremonies, Editor’s Note: This article was submitted support groups and special recogni- by Bruce Jones, He is with AseraCare tion and honors on military holidays. In addition, AseraCare Hospice an Hospice and may be reached at 402488-1336 or by email at Bruce.Jones@ aseracare.com. See ad on page 89.

Hospice Care Definitions continued

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS – Grief is the normal and universal reaction humans have to the loss of those they love. When your loved one passes, you may go through a period of bereavement and experience grief. Many provide Grief Groups that meet and address issues of grief in a supportive group setting.

INDIGENT PATIENTS – Does the hospice accept non funded or indigent patients? This is usually on a case by case basis and at the determination of the hospice company. Many have a non-profit organization that can help support the care of non-covered patients.

IN-PATIENT CARE – These hospices offer full hospice services in their on-campus unit or building. The patient moves into the inpatient care facility to receive their hospice services rather than in the patients’ home setting.

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPY – Used as a method for relaxation to alleviate stress, anxiety and pain with a light hands-on approach, as well as providing an alternative to those who can’t take medication or prefer not to, massage therapy has become essential in hospice care. This is not reimbursed by Medicare.

MUSIC THERAPY – Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals”. A music therapist creates goals and objectives for their patients and uses music activities and music experiences (listening, composition, improvisation, or playing/singing a familiar song) in order to achieve those goals. This is not reimbursed by Medicare.

PAIN PUMPS AVAILABLE – Many patients have their symptoms controlled through oral medications. Some situations require a pain pump where medications are administered through an IV pump. If this is the situation, inquire with the hospice RN case manager to see if pain pumps are available through their agency.

PALLIATIVE CARE – Specialized medical care for people with serious illness. It is focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness – whatever the prognosis. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.

PCP-OVERSIGHT – Can the hospice patient retain their own primary care physician in addition to the hospice medical director? All hospice organizations require a medical director, a physician to oversee their care. Many times the hospice medical director will work in conjunction with the patient’s own physician. The patient, family and hospice team can determine which physicians will oversee the care and certify the hospice eligibility criteria.