Veterans asked to serve fellow vets in hospice care
(Harrisburg) — An organization providing end-of-life care in central Pennsylvania is looking for some volunteers among military veterans.
Hospice of Central PA expects to care for 700 veterans this year and its goal is to match each person with a volunteer through its Vet-to-Vet Visitation program, which part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ We Honor Veterans program.
Fred Anderson, a social worker with Hospice of Central PA, says vets often feel a connection with others who have served, which can open up communication and give patients comfort in their final days.
“At times, we find with our patients at end-of-life, they’re doing life review, they may be wanting to address what we refer to as ‘unfinished business,’” Anderson said.
Anderson says he’s heard from families of those in hospice who have learned things about their loved one through participation in the vet-to-vet program.
Those interested in volunteering can learn more at hospiceofcentralpa.org or by calling 717-732-1000.
You can find additional participating locations at wehonorveterans.org.