Intentional Anticipatory Mourning, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Program for Terminally Ill Veterans, Their Families & Caregivers in the VA Contract Home Hospice Program

Abstract

As a response to the increasing numbers of Veterans utilizing the Veterans Affairs (VA) Contract Home Hospice Program, and with growing awareness of the increased stress at end-of-life, the social work leadership of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center implemented a unique approach to support Veterans and their families. The role of a grief/bereavement counselor was added to enhance the VA Contract Home Hospice Program, to assess the needs of the Veterans and family caregivers, and to create a program in response to these findings. A three-prong module evolved encompassing: Anticipatory Mourning Support for both the Veteran and caregiver/family; Caregiver Support; and Bereavement Support. The components of this module are described along with findings in each module.