WesleyLife Hospice has been named a Level 5 partner — the most esteemed level — of We Honor Veterans. The national accolade is the industry's highest-level military-related designation.
The program assists WesleyLife Hospice in providing the highest-quality end-of-life care to the veterans served by the team, including expanded training for hospice volunteers — particularly those who are or were in military, so meaningful veteran-to-veteran connections might be allowed to form.
According to We Honor Veterans, the goal of a Level 5 partner is to expand partnerships with other organizations and hospice providers to share knowledge and serve as a mentor. The WesleyLife Hospice team was required to fulfill stringent requirements to be considered for the Level 5 accolade.
"We're grateful to We Honor Veterans for this recognition, and proud of our team for working so hard to place WesleyLife into consideration for this honor," Diana Ferriss, WesleyLife Hospice volunteer coordinator, says. "The distinction reflects our unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served our country."
Large interdisciplinary team, specialized care
WesleyLife Hospice is comprised of 70 team members including medical directors, nurses, hospice care assistants, social workers, spiritual care counselors, music and massage therapists, administrative team members, and volunteers.
"Together, we form a compassionate interdisciplinary team focused on delivering veteran-centered care," Diana says, adding that reaching Level 5 is "both a celebration and a validation of the hard work our team has put in over the past year."
"We’ve hosted veteran-to-veteran cafes, conducted veteran pinning ceremonies, and completed hours of specialized education focused on the unique needs of veterans — particularly Vietnam-era veterans and those facing complex emotional and spiritual challenges," she says.
She added volunteers have created lap robes for each veteran client, and the hospice team has advocated for veterans’ needs at the Iowa State Capitol during Veterans Day on the Hill (pictured) and in the nation's capital during Hospice Action Week.
In addition, Diana says the hospice team especially is honored to be the first hospice in the nation to complete the Community Nursing Home Initiative, a program developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Alliance for Home Care. The initiative equips bedside caregivers, many who have little or no medical training, with practical tools to compassionately support veterans at the end of life.
"This designation enhances our ability to serve veterans and their families with even greater understanding, respect, and care," she says. "Our team is trained to recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of veterans and to connect them with veterans' benefits and support they may not have previously accessed.
"At WesleyLife Hospice, we are privileged to walk alongside our veteran clients and their families, and we remain committed to ensuring they receive the recognition and care they so richly deserve."
Become a part of WesleyLife Hospice! Join the team as a volunteer, or donate to help fund special programming for clients.
