Veterans receive special services at end of life at Four Seasons

Four Seasons Compassion for Life, an award-winning hospice and palliative care industry leader, has become a national partner of “We Honor Veterans,” a pioneering campaign developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Four Seasons serves increasing numbers of veterans of the United States Armed Forces annually during serious, life limiting illness or at end of life. Approximately 800,000 North Carolinians are veterans, and more than 53 percent of North Carolina men are veterans aged 55 or older, according to the State Center for Health Statistics. Veterans comprise 25 percent of individuals who die in the United States annually, according to NHPCO. “A hero’s welcome home should never come too late,” says Chris Comeaux, chief executive officer of Four Seasons. “As a “We Honor Veterans” partner, Four Seasons will provide care and support reflecting the important contributions made by these men and women.” Respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgement are integral to “We Honor Veterans” resources, which also include ongoing veteran-centered education for staff and volunteers. “We recognize that veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness have specific needs, perhaps related to their years of service, combat experiences, or other traumas,” says Jan Buchanan, a clinical specialist in spiritual care. “Four Seasons will now have the enhanced ability to accompany and guide veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending.”