Hospice for Veterans

Veterans typically have unique physical and mental health needs compared to civilian patients. Because of their military service, veteran patients may experience a higher level of physical, mental and emotional trauma throughout their lives. Adding in the stress of a terminal diagnosis can cause a recurrence of mental and emotional health concerns related to a veteran’s wartime experience, making it essential for caregivers to use a comprehensive approach to end-of-life care that addresses these complex issues.

For veterans in hospice, palliative care usually includes classic comfort care, which may involve pain management and symptom relief, as well as specific services aimed at addressing the mental, emotional and spiritual needs of veterans.

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.

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.

If you’re a veteran in the U.S., you’re entitled to VA benefits though the Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes coverage for hospice care. This veterans program was designed to ensure those who serve receive medical care benefits. You’re eligible for VA benefits if you’re:

• A veteran yourself
• A dependent of a veteran
• The surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran
• An active-duty service member of the Reserve or National Guard

There are further requirements you must meet to qualify for VA hospice care, such as being diagnosed with a terminal illness, having a life expectancy of six months or less and seeking treatment focused on comfort rather than a cure. As long as you qualify for VA benefits, you won’t have to worry about getting private insurance for hospice treatment.