Bay Pines VA Hospice and Palliative Care Teams Unite in Mission to Deliver Compassionate, Respectful Care
Veteran services and support for hospice and palliative care remains a top priority for care teams across Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.
As Veterans age, the need for assistance in care becomes more critical. Employees who serve these Veterans understand that and stand ready to support them and their families with world-class health care at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.
“On both the hospice and palliative care teams, we use an interdisciplinary approach to treat the patients in our care,” said Bay Pines VA Palliative Care Coordinator Judith Shafer. “This is so important because each provider brings their perspective to the table, which helps us achieve our goal of improving the Veteran’s quality of life.”
Palliative care is specialized medical care for those who are living with a chronic or serious illness and can be viewed as an added layer of support to the care the Veteran is already receiving. Bay Pines VA offers this in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Hospice care is a service that’s provided around the clock to those who are nearing the end of life. Veterans receiving this service from Bay Pines VA may choose to remain inpatients at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center, space depending, in the eight-bed hospice unit for as long as they wish.
“Hospice care entails managing the Veteran’s symptoms when they arise, and making sure they are treated in a manner that is personalized to their needs,” Shaffer said. “A Veteran can remain here until their last day or, if they decide, live out their days in the comfort of their home. Ultimately, we will honor what’s important to the Veteran and their family.”
Shafer is one component of a team of health care professionals who provides skilled care to this important population of Veterans. Several specialties, including a medical provider, nurse, social worker, nursing assistant, nutritionist, chaplain, and more, work together as part of a joint-team effort, in support of the Veteran.
Regardless of which type of care a Veteran receives, staff are available to help them and their loved ones understand their course of treatment and available options. Additionally, staff can help the Veteran solidify plans for their care, should they become unable to make decisions for themselves.
Whether staff fall on the hospice or palliative side of care, they remain united in the depth of their commitment to the Veterans in their charge.
“We all carry that desire to provide compassion, respect, and dignity to patients and their families,” Shafer said. “During a time that can be very difficult for Veterans and their families, we want them to know that we are there for them and that they’re never alone.”
To learn more about these services, or to inquire about receiving care, please call 727-398-6661, ext. 10446.