VA Palliative Care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Palliative Care uses comfort care with a focus on relieving suffering and controlling symptoms so veterans can carry out day-to-day activities and continue to do what is most important to them. It aims to improve quality of life in mind, body and spirit. Palliative Care can be combined with curative or disease-controlling treatment, started at the time of diagnosis, and provided throughout the course of the illness. An interdisciplinary team (medical provider, social worker, nurse, chaplain, mental health provider, and others) addresses physical symptoms, family coping, emotional/spiritual distress, and access to needed resources.
Who qualifies
What it covers
Cost
How to apply
Where to get this in Washington
3 organizations deliver this program. Coverage varies, so check the area each one serves.
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.
Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, the VAMC anchoring VA Spokane Health Care System, serving veterans in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
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.