We honor veterans
Amanda Miller | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 14 years, 11 months AGO
It may surprise many people to learn that one out of every four people who die in the U.S. are Veterans. Our country is seeing many who served in World War II and Korean pass away and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans beginning to rise. Veterans facing life-limiting illness have unique needs, some of which may be related to their military service, combat experience or other traumatic event. Because of this, it is crucial that hospice caregivers and providers recognize these needs to accompany and guide Veterans and their families to a more peaceful ending.
To help provide care and support that reflects the important contributions made by these men and women, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs has created a pioneering campaign called We Honor Veterans. This campaign provides recognition to organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for Veterans. Hospice of North Idaho is a proud national partner of We Honor Veterans, believing that America's Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home. Hospice of North Idaho is committed to serving these men and women with the dignity they deserve.
For more information visit www.honi.org or call (208)772-7994.
ARTICLES BY AMANDA MILLER
We honor veterans
It may surprise many people to learn that one out of every four people who die in the U.S. are Veterans. Our country is seeing many who served in World War II and Korean pass away and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans beginning to rise. Veterans facing life-limiting illness have unique needs, some of which may be related to their military service, combat experience or other traumatic event. Because of this, it is crucial that hospice caregivers and providers recognize these needs to accompany and guide Veterans and their families to a more peaceful ending.
Important conversations
In an age where advances in modern medicine occur every day, it is easy to forget science and technology cannot change one fact; there will be a time when death is inevitable. At any time, people may be unable to communicate their health care choices as a result of an injury or serious illness. However, these choices can be addressed long before they are needed. Living wills and death plans allow us to lay out these needs in legally binding documents to help our friends and family answer difficult questions based on our values and desires. This type of planning is simply smart life-planning and allows a person to make his or her wishes and care preferences known. The process of "advance directive" planning encourages:
Animal companions: A time tested therapy
Humans have long viewed animals as companions and healers. Prehistoric cave drawings and ancient Egyptian burials with animals depict this fondness for our furry friends. The successful use of animals in therapeutic settings has also been documented for centuries. As early as the 9th century in Gheel, Belgium, animals were used in a therapy program for people with disabilities.