Hospice for Veterans

Veterans often have unique physical, mental and emotional health needs compared to civilians due to their military service. Throughout their lives, veterans may experience higher levels of trauma, both physically and psychologically. When facing a terminal illness, the stress of this diagnosis can trigger past mental and emotional health issues related to their service, making it crucial for caregivers to adopt a comprehensive, specialized approach to end-of-life care for veterans.

Veteran hospice care must go beyond traditional hospice services. Veteran-specific hospice care addresses complex emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. This holistic care is vital in supporting veterans, helping them find peace and dignity at the end of their life’s journey.

Hospice benefits for veterans are tailored to an individual’s specific needs and address limitations veterans may experience at the end of their lives. Because individuals with military experience are at a higher risk of certain issues from direct and indirect exposure to conflict, those issues need to be considered while they’re receiving care. Common issues veterans face include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD develops in people who’ve experienced a frightening or dangerous event. This anxiety disorder can affect them throughout their lives.
• Traumatic brain injury: Veterans face many hazards during active duty, including explosives and mines. This exposure increases their risk of serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury.
• Chronic pain: The military has demanding physical expectations, resulting in many veterans living with chronic pain conditions such as musculoskeletal pain.
• Presumptive diseases: These specific diseases are normally associated with exposure to certain herbicides or chemicals, like Agent Orange, that veterans are more likely to come into contact with.
• Survivor’s guilt: Veterans may experience survivor’s guilt, especially if they lost someone close to them during battle. This condition is closely connected to symptoms of depression and PTSD.

Hospice health care geared toward veteran patients includes a wide variety of services that focus on treating these specific physical and psychological issues. Services can include physical or occupational therapy, pain medications, counseling and music or animal therapy.

Hospice care is intended for patients with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less. Patients entering hospice care must have ceased curative treatment for their illness, so the goal is to relieve pain, treat symptoms and manage end-of-life issues. Veterans may be diagnosed with a terminal illness related to their previous military career or an illness such as cancer or COPD that developed on its own.

Hospice patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. Since family members often serve as primary caregivers, a hospice care team can help relieve the burden and provide education for administering proper care. Spiritual and emotional support can relieve suffering for both the patient and their family to make this process as painless as possible. Bereavement counseling can help family caregivers deal with the death of their loved one. Three Oaks Hospice provides up to 13 months of bereavement counseling after the patient’s death.

For veterans with severe illness who haven’t reached the terminal stage but require more assistance than family members and friends can provide, palliative care is another option. During palliative care, patients receive many of the same services as during hospice, but curative treatments may continue.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits to ensure veterans receive the care they need at the end of their lives. Eligible veterans can access VA hospice care without private insurance, focusing on comfort and care. Key VA benefits include:

• Comprehensive Hospice Coverage: Veterans with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less receive free hospice care, covering pain management, symptom control, and emotional support.
• Specialized Care for Service-Related Conditions: VA hospice care addresses conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, and exposure-related diseases through specialized treatments and counseling.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: VA benefits include grief counseling and spiritual support, helping veterans and families find peace at the end of life.
• Veterans who have served in active duty and received an honorable discharge are typically eligible for VA hospice care. This support eases the emotional and financial burden, allowing veterans to focus on comfort and dignity.

At Three Oaks Hospice, we help veterans and their families navigate VA benefits, ensuring they receive compassionate, specialized care tailored to their unique needs.

Three Oaks Hospice will also partner with local Veteran Affairs (VA) organizations. If you haven’t already spoken with someone from a nearby VA, click here to find a VA facility in your community.