SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – As the nation pauses to honor its military heroes this Veterans Day, Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice are recognizing the extraordinary service of veterans and calling on them once again to make a difference – this time in the lives of fellow veterans facing life-limiting illnesses.
The not-for-profits are currently seeking veteran volunteers to provide support and camaraderie to hospice patients and their families throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lenawee, Livingston, Jackson and Washtenaw counties.
While no act can fully repay the debt owed to those who have served, Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice are committed to delivering the holistic, compassionate care our veterans deserve. Veterans who volunteer bring a unique and powerful bond to their interactions with fellow service members. Regardless of their era of service – in peace or wartime – shared military experience fosters trust, understanding and meaningful connection. These volunteers are able to offer comfort not only through conversation, but through shared understanding of physical wounds, survivor’s guilt, post-traumatic stress and other invisible scars of service.
“Veteran volunteers are the heart of how we honor those who’ve served,” said Ruth Moore-Lilly, volunteer program manager at Hospice of Michigan. “They carry with them a deep understanding of the challenges courage, and sacrifice that define military service. When they visit a fellow veteran, they offer far more than companionship – they bring a sense of belonging, shared pride and peace that only another veteran can provide. Their service ensures that every veteran we care for is seen and remembered with the dignity they deserve.”
Committed to honoring the brave men and women who served their country, the not-for-profit partners with National Alliance for Care at Home (formerly the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide compassionate end-of-life care to veterans through the We Honor Veterans program. Hospice of Michigan is a Level Four We Honor Veterans program participant, providing resources and tools to help serve the unique needs of the hospice military community, meeting the highest standards set by Alliance and VA. Arbor Hospice also participates in the We Honor Veterans program, continuing this important mission of compassionate, veteran-centered care.
All volunteers must complete orientation, background checks and fingerprinting before serving. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and those who have experienced a recent personal loss are asked to wait one year before volunteering. No prior experience or specialized training is required.
Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice offer flexible, on-demand orientation sessions, making it easy for veterans to get involved when it works best for them.
Veterans interested in volunteering can contact Ruth Moore-Lilly at 248-794-0523 or [email protected]. To learn more about Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice or submit an online volunteer application, visit hom.org/get-involved or arborhospice.org/get-involved.
