Veterans Served by Yolo Hospice
by Mary Odbert
Over 40 years ago, Mike served as a US Marine in the late 1960s, completing two tours of duty on the front line in the Vietnam War. The Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that Mike’s congestive heart failure may be a result of his exposure to the potent herbicide, Agent Orange. Yolo Hospice is actively engaged in honorably serving Mike and his loved ones, as they struggle to accept his life-limiting illness.
Over 30 years ago, Yolo Hospice was established with the mission to serve and care for dying community members, including veterans, so they may fully live their final days. Veterans like Mike often experience distinct medical conditions related to their military service. By taking extra care to meet their unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs, we honor their service and their lives.
“Veterans are proud of their service,” said Ted Puntillo, Director of Veterans Services, Solano County. “Talking to them about their service is a good way to make a connection with them.” Yolo Hospice has found that it is important to make that connection with the veteran and to ask about their service.
“We have to let the patient lead the way in what they need or want to talk about,” said Suzanne Trygar, Yolo Hospice MSW. “Building a trusting relationship with the patient comes first. Once they are comfortable with you, they might share their military experience in depth.”
Hospice is uniquely prepared to hear these stories, support associated emotions, and treat related conditions. Military service can be profoundly traumatic and requires gentle exploration to provide appropriate care. Some service-related conditions are so deeply-rooted, they may only may be triggered by ill health.
A hospice nurse recently shared the story of another Vietnam veteran she cared for at the end of his life. This veteran's health had deteriorated suddenly. He could no longer care for himself, and required the use of a hospital bed. Oddly, whenever he was in the bed, and head of the bed was lowered, he became very agitated. Initially no one understood his distress.
A hospice social worker then recalled a story the veteran has confided about his experience as a prisoner of war. He had recalled his captors forcing him to lay flat and submerging him in a tank of water. The veteran did not connect his experience to the hospital bed, but the social worker did. The hospice care team diligently ensured the head of the bed was never lowered again.
“Not all veterans’ experiences are as poignant. Yet this story illustrates the impact military service can have on end of life issues and the need for the hospice team to explore and honor their individual stories,” said Louise Joyce, Yolo Hospice Community Liaison.
Some veterans seek Yolo Hospice services through private or Medicare coverage, others through their VA benefit. “Knowing the available resources is very helpful to veterans at any time, but definitely at the end of life,” said Puntillo. “That’s what we do here, connect them to their benefits.”
Through the VA, veterans can be eligible for health benefits, including hospice services. As they age or decline in health, the Aid and Attendance program provides qualified veterans with funds to live in their home, assisted living, board and care, or skilled nursing facilities. Veterans served by Yolo Hospice are assigned to social workers who will help them access special services.
“There are many unique opportunities for veterans that should be explored while they are in hospice,” said Billy Wagster, Veterans Service Representative, Yolo County. “All veterans are entitled to a plot for themselves and their spouse at a National Cemetery; the three local cemeteries, Davis, Woodland and Monument Hill, have plots that are provided to veterans. Military honors, local honor guards and survivor’s benefits are available to many and should be discussed.”
A new, free resource is an Android and Apple application, “Calvet,” which helps veterans access their VA benefits. You download it by going to the online stores for Android and Apple.
Veterans who have a life-limiting illness or questions about hospice should contact Yolo Hospice for more information at (530) 758-5566 or visit the website at www.yolohospice.org. If you’re a veteran who wants to access hospice through your benefits in Yolo County or learn more about your VA benefits, please call (530) 406-4850.
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