Veteran to Veteran, Direct Care Volunteer

Many community hospice providers have implemented an innovative model for serving Veterans at the end of life- the Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program. The Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program aims to pair recruited Veteran Volunteers with hospice patients who have been identified as Veterans. Once paired with hospice patients who also have military experience, Veteran Volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each patient thereby creating an environment where life review and healing may occur.

The Direct Care Volunteer serves as an additional support to patients and families dealing with a terminal illness and end-of-life issues. Support is provided in a variety of ways, including the provision of companionship and socialization to patients, or offering respite to stressed caregivers. Direct Care Volunteers may also make tuck in calls to patients and families.