Brookings Health System’s Hospice Attains Level Three in We Honor Veterans Program

Brookings Health System’s hospice recently achieved level three status in the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) We Honor Veterans program.

“For the past 20 years, our hospice team has delivered local care to area patients, providing support and comfort during life-limiting illnesses 24 hours a day,” said Home Health and Hospice Director Lynne Kaufmann. “Our veterans who face end-of-life have unique needs. That’s why Brookings Health System participates in the We Honor Veterans program. It enables us to educate our local staff and volunteers on how to honor, respect and welcome home veterans.”

Brookings Health System was recruited by NHPCO to participate in the campaign in 2010 and achieved level two status in 2013. To achieve level three status, Brookings Health System’s hospice continued to educate staff and volunteers, developed a veteran-to-veteran volunteer program, and conducted veteran-specific outreach presentations. In addition, the hospice team continued integrating the military history checklist in its referral and intake procedures and assisting veterans and families to access veteran benefits. Hospice staff and volunteers will now focus on reaching level four status within the program.

NHPCO, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), launched We Honor Veterans in October 2010. The pioneering campaign aims to improve the care veterans receive from hospice providers and empowers hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans.

The program teaches respectful inquiry, compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgement to comfort patients with a history of military service and possible physical or psychological trauma. It also provides practical resources, including downloadable forms and descriptions of veteran benefits.

With 20 years of experience, Brookings Health System’s hospice provides local nurses, volunteers, chaplain, social worker and 24-hour support to help care for patients facing end-of-life. For more information on hospice, or to request services, please call (605) 696-7700 or visit brookingshealth.org/Hospice.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.