Hospice of Cincinnati has just achieved Level Four status with the We Honor Veterans Program. The We Honor Veterans initiative is a collaboration between the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides guidance and resources to hospices in their efforts to meet the unique needs of the veteran populations they serve.  It is based on “respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement” to guide veteran patients toward a peaceful ending to their life stories.

The Level Four designation is on a five-level spectrum. The primary focus of Star Level Four was to increase HOC’s organizational capacity to serve veterans. This was done through a combination of the following:

Education

Veteran related education was provided throughout the year for all team members and, most intensively, for our Social Work and Chaplain teams who received training in PTSD, Moral Injury and Suicide Risk through our participation in the national Trauma Informed Care Initiative.  Education regarding end of life care for veterans was also provided for members of the community.

Organizational Processes

Organizational processes were strengthened for supporting veteran patients with transitioning across venues of care, assisting veterans in accessing benefits and services for which they may be eligible, and for evaluating care that has been provided to veterans.

Hospice Veteran Partnerships

New partnerships have been formed and existing partnerships strengthened on both a local and statewide level, which enhances sharing of best practices for veteran care and facilitates accessing of needed services.

Honoring Our Veterans

Always a priority, we continue to honor Veterans and their service to our country, through pinning ceremonies, Memorial Day services, Veterans Day activities, and other expressions of gratitude.