Honoring Veterans

Caring for members of the armed forces differs from caring for the general population due to their unique experiences in combat, service-related health conditions, and the deeply ingrained norms of military culture.

At Dignity Hospice, we honor the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country and are committed to providing compassionate, specialized care that addresses their distinct needs—especially at the end of life. 

Many veterans face challenges such as depression, anxiety, isolation, grief, anger, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including:

Service-Related Health Conditions

• Many veterans have service-connected disabilities such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or spinal cord injuries.
• Exposure to chemicals (e.g., Agent Orange, burn pits) can lead to chronic illnesses, including cancer and respiratory diseases.
• Hearing loss and tinnitus are common due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.

Mental Health & PTSD Considerations

• PTSD is prevalent among veterans due to combat and other traumatic experiences.
• Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse rates are higher among veterans.
• Some veterans may struggle to trust healthcare providers, requiring a trauma-informed approach.

Military Culture & Identity

• Veterans often possess a strong sense of duty, discipline, and resilience, which can influence how they express pain or seek help.
• A “mission-first” mindset may lead some veterans to downplay symptoms or avoid medical care.
• Understanding military culture fosters trust and improves communication.

Moral & Existential Concerns

• Some veterans experience moral injury, grappling with guilt or regret over actions taken during service.
• End-of-life care may involve addressing spiritual and emotional wounds, particularly for those with unresolved trauma.
• Hospice and palliative care often include veteran-specific counseling to support these concerns.

Support for Families & Caregivers

• Military families frequently experience relocations, deployments, and sacrifices that impact caregiving.
• Spouses and family caregivers may require specialized training to manage service-related conditions.
• The VA offers caregiver support programs, respite care, and bereavement counseling.

These challenges often become more pronounced as veterans age, particularly when facing end-of-life issues.

At Dignity Hospice, we recognize the emotional and medical toll our veterans endure. Our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, and home health aides is trained to provide compassionate, veteran-centered care that meets their unique needs during this critical stage of life.