Haverhill – Merrimack Valley Hospice, which provides compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care for those with life-limiting illness, recently achieved the third of four partner levels available through We Honor Veterans, an innovative program developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The distinction recognizes that Merrimack Valley Hospice, which supports patients and their families with hospice and palliative care services in a variety of settings, has improved care and access for veterans by developing and strengthening relationships with VA medical centers and other veteran organizations.
Merrimack Valley Hospice previously ensured it is equipped to address veterans’ complex end-of-life needs by providing veteran-centric education for staff and volunteers and developing collaborative partnerships with community hospices, state hospice organizations and VA facilities. The fourth partner level to be achieved is measuring the impact of VA and community interventions.
“We are proud to ‘earn our stars,’” said Eric Redard, volunteer services manager of Merrimack Valley Hospice, a member of the Home Health Foundation and Wellforce Health System which also includes Home Health VNA, Circle Home and Hallmark Health VNA. “We can never repay our heroes for what they have given our country, but we can offer high-quality, compassionate care when they need us most. Just as they have been there for all of us, we want to let them know we’re here for them.”
Throughout the year, Merrimack Valley Hospice participates in We Honor Veterans by connecting veteran patients with veteran volunteers representing all military branches, recognizing their service and introducing them to veteran-specific resources within the community and the VA. On any given day, 20 to 25 percent of the patients cared for by Merrimack Valley Hospice are veterans, including those at High Pointe House, the state-of-the-art hospice and palliative care residence in Haverhill which offers a comfortable, home-like alternative to hospitalization.
For more information about how to volunteer or support Merrimack Valley Hospice’s work with veterans, visit HomeHealthFoundation.org/veterans. To learn more about We Honor Veterans, visit WeHonorVeterans.org/support.
*Merrimack Valley Hospice offers comfort care and palliative services for patients nearing the end of life. Whether individuals are at home or in a hospital, long-term care residence, assisted living facility or High Pointe House, Merrimack Valley Hospice provides compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients and grief and bereavement support for families and caregivers. Referrals are available seven days a week by calling 800-333-4799. For more information, visit HomeHealthFoundation.org. ◊