Veterans- Support to those on Hospice in Des Moines Service Area!

The Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program aims to pair recruited veteran volunteers with hospice patients who have been identified as veterans. Veteran volunteers are important because they are able to form a camaraderie with veteran patients that can help eliminate the stoicism and secrecy that veteran patients often develop from having served in the armed forces.

Veteran Volunteers can help by:

• Assist veterans in reminiscing/telling life stories
• Educate and assist patients in receiving veteran benefits
• Take part in pinning ceremonies or distribute certificates for Veteran's Day and other recognition events
• Friendly Visits
• Improve communication within families
• Assist in replacing lost medals
• Provide respite for caregivers
• Read to patients

Veteran volunteers have the unique ability to relate and connect with each veteran patient allowing them to become an essential piece in the delivery of quality end-of-life care.