Voluntary Service - Bereavement Project

BEREAVEMENT PROJECT Veterans who are dying deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. This is a difficult time for the veteran and his/her family. Although we cannot change the outcome of a person's life, we can provide the veteran and family with as much comfort as possible during this time. Volunteers can receive special training to become Hospice volunteers. The Hospice Unit is located at the Vancouver Division. At the Portland hospital, when a veteran moves from medical care to comfort care, he/she and the family are given a folder that contains information which will help them understand what to expect from their care. The veteran is also given a hand made quilt which is embroidered with "FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR FREEDOM, THE PVAMC THANKS YOU" The quilt stays with the veteran after death and then is given to the family. After the veteran has died, volunteers are instrumental in making sure that the family receives a condolence card from the veteran's provider. From the Hospice volunteers, to handmade quilts to condolence cards veterans and their families receive care that truly says "we care". Contact us to find out how you can be part of this significant project.