Honoring veterans at the end of life is a vital aspect supported by the Veterans Health Administration (VA). The VA provides high-quality hospice care to veterans, ensuring they receive compassion and dignity in their final days. VA system addresses the unique veterans’ needs by delivering physical, emotional, and spiritual support. In recent years, VA introduced home-based primary care combined with hospice. It is a successful approach to end-of-life care for veterans covered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Thus, in a recent survey of nearly 4,000 veteran families, over half reported their loved ones received “excellent” quality community-based hospice care within the last 30 days of life. This innovative approach to hospice care is not only providing veterans with high-quality end-of-life care, but it’s also increasing family satisfaction.
Read the article to understand how hospice care works in the VA and what services are available to veterans and their families.
How does hospice work in VA?
As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to our brave veterans who have selflessly served to protect our freedoms. When it comes to end-of-life care, it’s essential to understand the challenges faced by veterans including physical and emotional trauma resulting from their service.
Fortunately, the VA hospice care helps veterans receive the respect and care they deserve in their final days.
Veterans face various issues and limitations that impact their physical, emotional, and mental health. One of the most common ones is chronic pain due to the physically demanding nature of military service. Also, veterans may be affected by presumptive diseases associated with exposure to chemicals like Agent Orange and certain herbicides.
Traumatic brain injury is another significant risk for veterans due to the hazards on the battlefield, including mines, mortars, and explosives.
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also struggle at the end of their lives, as this anxiety disorder can develop into a traumatic or frightening event and persist for years.
Depression is another common issue, affecting twice the national average of veterans, with many never receiving an official diagnosis.
Also, many veterans live with survivor’s guilt linked with PTSD and depressive symptoms. Understanding these challenges is essential in providing appropriate end-of-life care and support for veterans.
Hospice care is available in veterans’ residences, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. With no co-pay for hospice care, veterans can receive specialized services:
- Pain and symptom management
- Home medical equipment and supplies
- Therapy services
- Spiritual care
- Ongoing grief counseling for both patients and their families.
The benefits of VA hospice care
The VA offers a range of hospice benefits for veterans including medication, and personal care supplies. The VA coordinates care with a veteran’s doctors, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working together for the best outcome.
For veterans who require physical, occupational, or other therapy services, the VA can help. There are also volunteers with military experience, providing veterans with support from someone who understands their experiences and can offer companionship.
Spiritual care is also essential and is available for veterans and their family members. Additionally, patients and their families can get ongoing grief counseling.
Who is eligible for VA hospice care?
Here is the list of requirements for the patients eligible for hospice care through the VA:
- Veterans with a service-connected condition
- Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides while serving in the military
- Veterans who were prisoners of war (POWs)
- Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 70 percent or more
- Veterans with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or other terminal illnesses, regardless of service connection
- Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare for at least one year and meeting certain financial and clinical criteria.
It’s important to note that all veterans, regardless of their age, are eligible for hospice care if they meet the above criteria. Besides, family members can also receive certain hospice benefits through the VA.
FAQs
Who is eligible for VA hospice care?
Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system and diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or condition with a life expectancy of 6 months or less can receive hospice care. They must also agree to forgo any curative treatment for their terminal illness. Family members and caregivers of eligible veterans can also receive hospice care services through the VA.
What services are covered by VA hospice care?
VA hospice care includes nursing care, pain and symptom management, counseling, social work, and spiritual care. The VA also covers medical equipment, medications, and personal care supplies related to hospice diagnosis. Volunteers with military experience can provide additional support, and physical, occupational, and other therapies are available as needed.
Is there a cost for VA hospice care?
No, there is no co-pay for hospice care for eligible veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Hospice care includes medical equipment, medications, and personal care supplies related to the hospice diagnosis. Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and most private insurance companies all offer coverage for hospice care. To qualify for hospice care, veterans must have received an honorable or medical discharge.
What are the VA benefits?
Besides, VA benefits can vary depending on the veteran’s situation. Generally, they are not influenced by income, but for peacetime veterans, eligibility may be income-based. Additionally, benefits for veterans of the reserves and/or the National Guard can vary based on individual circumstances. It’s always important to speak with a representative from the VA to determine what benefits you or a loved one may be eligible for.
Final thoughts
At the end of their lives, the nation’s veterans deserve the highest respect. Through VA hospice benefits, we can help ensure they receive the care and support they need to live out their final days in comfort and dignity.
As hospice providers increasingly diversify their services in a value-based world, there are potential opportunities to engage patients further upstream. By incorporating home-based primary care, hospice providers improve patient outcomes and experiences, while also addressing the unique needs of veterans. The success of this approach is encouraging, as it suggests that veterans and their families are finding the care they need to navigate the challenges of end-of-life care.