Hospice · federal

VA Hospice Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Hospice Care is comfort care provided to veterans and their families when the veteran has a terminal condition with less than 6 months to live and is no longer seeking treatment other than palliative care. A multi-disciplinary team helps veterans live fully until they die, addressing medical, social, spiritual and psychological needs and providing bereavement support to the family. Care can be provided at home, in an outpatient clinic, in an inpatient setting, or in a VA Community Living Center. The VA also contracts with community and home hospice agencies.

Who qualifies

All veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible if they meet the clinical need for the service. Hospice Care is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package.

What it covers

Comfort-focused care that respects personal, cultural, and religious beliefs. Bereavement support for family. Plan of care developed jointly with the veteran, family, and care team.

Cost

There are NO COPAYS for Hospice Care, whether it is provided by the VA or by an organization with a VA contract.

How to apply

Talk with your VA social worker about Hospice Care. Use the Veteran Decision Aid for Care at Home or in the Community and the Caregiver Self-Assessment (download from www.va.gov/Geriatrics) to help decide.

Where to get this in Washington

3 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System (800) 329-8387
VHA health-care system covering Western Washington with two main campuses: Seattle VA Medical Center (1660 S Columbian Way) and American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma (9600 Veterans Dr SW). Hub for VA primary care, geriatrics, mental health, and extended care for the Puget Sound region.
VA Spokane Health Care System (Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center)(509) 434-7000
Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Spokane Health Care System, serving veterans in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
VA Walla Walla Health Care System (Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center)(509) 525-5200
Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Walla Walla Health Care System, serving veterans across SE Washington, NE Oregon, and West Idaho.

Visit the website

www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Hospice_Care.asp

Source www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/pages/Hospice_Care.asp