Peaceful and Proud - personalized care for veterans

Hospice of the Western Reserve's Peaceful and Proud initiative is about honoring patients who are veterans. The Peaceful and Proud committee recently brought in Deborah Grassman, ARNP, MSN, Hospice Program Coordinator at the Bay Pines VA in St. Peterburg, Florida and Dr. James Banks, Professor Emeritus at Cuyahoga Community College and founder/director of the Crile Archives for a free educational program. Ms. Grassman spoke on Wounded Warriors: Their Last Battle and described the emotional, social, spiritual and moral injuries sustained by veterans on how these impact end-of-life care. Dr. Banks talked about the unique historical dimensions of WWII, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. This education is helping staff meet the diverse needs of veterans—whether that be post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, remorse/regret, or the need to tell their war stories. I found both lectures extremely helpful. I am now very cognizant of thanking veterans for serving our country, welcoming them home and apologizing as appropriate.