According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 16.5 million veterans in the country in 2021. Their dedication to protecting our freedom comes at a price for many veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported that in 2020, there were 6,146 veteran suicides. Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge cited that 22 veterans commit suicides daily, with 30% of vets having disabilities resulting from their service. Sadly, it is reported that 84% of veterans say Americans have “little awareness” of the challenges facing them and their families. Because they have given so much, it only makes sense that we do whatever we can to return the protection they’ve selflessly given us.
At Hospice of Redmond, we are dedicated to helping veterans in every capacity we can. As a Level IV We Honor Veterans partner, we consider providing excellent hospice care to our nation’s heroes an honor and privilege. But our services go beyond end-of-life care. This blog highlights the many resources available to veterans at Hospice of Redmond.
- We Honor Veterans program – We Honor Veterans is a national program offered by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. As a Level IV partner, we provide many resources for veterans and their families. These services at a high level include hospice care, palliative care, and bereavement support. We also offer help for service-related disabilities through the Department of Veteran Affairs. At a glance, this includes:
- Flag pinning for hospice patients
- Flag lines at veteran funerals
- Bereavement support for loved ones
- Connection to county Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) for service-related disabilities through the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Support accessing resources available throughout Central Oregon
- Wall of Honor – Any honorably discharged veteran with ties to Oregon can have their name added to the Wall of Honor. Erected in 2013, this Wall is the only of its kind in Central Oregon. It stands 30 feet long and six feet high. Granite panels along the Wall are engraved with veterans’ names, branches of service, years of service, and military conflict, if applicable. In addition to the flags of the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and soon-to-be Space Force, the American flag and a POW/MIA flag wave proudly over the Wall. The Wall is one visible way we honor the heroes in the community and throughout Oregon. Families can pay their respects for the service of their loved ones. The veteran does not need to live in Oregon; they only need ties to the State. That can mean a family member who lives in Oregon and wants to teach their children to honor a family member close to home.
- Veterans Resources – As mentioned, the team at Hospice of Redmond is committed to helping veterans access resources to help them live better lives. Many veterans do not think they get services because they are overall healthy and do not have disabilities due to combat experience. Many realize after the fact that there are some situations where they could have applied and received benefits. We want to ensure that veterans have access to all available options and resources. It is important to note that the VA is funded based on the number of veterans who use their services. Veterans today who take advantage of available services make it possible for veterans of tomorrow to have access to them.
- Transitions – People with a life-limiting condition can utilize the free Transitions program. This program can help them identify additional resources available in the community that may or may not be veteran-centric. Getting access to resources that can help the quality of life of a person may allow them to live longer.
- Bereavement Counseling – Free to the public, bereavement support is available to help people navigate the many stages of grief in a safe and supportive manner. Hospice of Redmond offers bereavement counseling to anyone who has lost someone – whether an adult or child. Some of the services include:
- Community Grief Support Group – meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
- Soup and Support
- Individual Bereavement Consultations
- Bereavement Companions
- Social Programs
- Guided Autobiography
- Camp Sunrise – a grief camp for kids held annually each Father’s Day weekend from Friday to Sunday.
- Grief in Schools – available to children of all ages at the school’s request.
- Moral and Soul Injury Support – At Hospice of Redmond, we work with veterans who have suffered moral and soul injury to support them and help them heal. Some veterans view or are placed in situations that go against their morals throughout their service. This is just one example of a moral and soul injury, which is being recognized more than ever due to the increasing awareness of mental health and the necessity to support those in need.
We encourage any Central Oregon veteran to connect with us at Hospice of Redmond, whether facing a life-limiting illness or not. We want to help as many veterans as possible so they can feel the love and support they so desperately need and deserve. To learn more about the services offered at Hospice of Redmond, visit our website
