Veterans and Hospice – What You Need To Know
Veterans are among our nation’s most honorable citizens. They have made profound sacrifices in service to their country, often facing hardships that most will never experience. As these heroes near the end of life, it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the highest standard of care—marked by dignity, compassion, and respect.
Hospice care plays a crucial role in supporting veterans with terminal illnesses, and there are programs in place to ensure their unique needs are acknowledged and met.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life for individuals with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less. It supports not just the patient, but also their family, through physical, emotional, and spiritual care in the final stages of life. Care can be provided in the home, in a nursing facility, or at a dedicated hospice residence.
How the VA Supports Hospice for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers hospice care to eligible veterans, ensuring access to high-quality end-of-life care. The VA partners with local hospice providers to offer this care in settings where the veteran feels most comfortable—often at home.
Veterans may qualify for VA-paid hospice services regardless of whether their terminal condition is service-connected. This coverage includes medical equipment, medication for symptom control, and interdisciplinary support from hospice staff.
Specialized Hospice Care for Veterans
Veterans often carry unique emotional and psychological burdens, including trauma, combat experiences, and loss. Hospice providers who care for veterans receive specialized training to address these complex needs.
Key elements of veteran-specific hospice care include:
Staff education on military culture, PTSD, and moral injury
Support groups and spiritual care tailored for veterans
Commemorative practices around Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Honor ceremonies and flag presentations
Veteran-to-veteran volunteer programs
These elements create a deeper sense of understanding, helping veterans feel seen, valued, and respected.
The “We Honor Veterans” Program
The We Honor Veterans initiative is a national program created in partnership between the VA and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). It recognizes hospice providers committed to improving care for veterans and offers a structured path for education and community involvement.
Hospice organizations can earn different levels of recognition—Levels 1 through 5—based on their involvement and ability to meet veterans’ unique end-of-life needs. Families seeking hospice support for a veteran may wish to look for a provider who participates in this program.
When the time comes, ensuring that our veterans receive compassionate, culturally competent care is one of the most meaningful ways we can express our gratitude. If your loved one served in the military and is facing a terminal illness, reach out to our hospice team to learn how we can support them with honor and dignity.