Hospice of the Western Reserve retains Level 5 status with national organization

CLEVELAND — Hospice of the Western Reserve (HWR) has been renewed as a "Level 5 Partner" with We Honor Veterans (WHV). A program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, WHV promotes specialized services for veterans in hospice and palliative care. Over the past year, HWR has cared for more than 1,486 veterans through its Peaceful and Proud program. "Our Peaceful and Proud program allows for veterans to receive specialized care from trained clinical staff," says Nate Gradisher, provider relations manager and chair of HWR's Peaceful and Proud Committee. "We match patients with other veterans who can relate to them and provide companionship at the end of their life." Veteran volunteers also help to facilitate individual recognition ceremonies to honor patients for their service. Throughout the last year, these ceremonies have been conducted both virtually and in-person. Level 5 is the highest designation WHV partners can attain. This achievement demonstrates an exceptional commitment to addressing the specialized needs of veterans. In 2020, HWR became the first hospice in Northern Ohio to achieve the elite status. HWR's support extends to veterans in the community as well. The nonprofit agency mentors other hospice agencies in the area on specialized care for veterans. In addition, regularly scheduled Virtual Veterans Cafés hosted by HWR enable veterans from all eras and all branches of service to connect virtually for conversation and camaraderie, and to learn more about beneficial community resources. Additional events over the last year have included Chair of Honor ceremonies, which are presented by local chapters of Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and spreading awareness of POW-MIAs. Each of HWRs in-patient facilities have a chair that remains perpetually empty as a reminder that even though not all who served are present, there is still a space for them. "Our veterans have done so much for us through their service" says Bill Finn, CEO of Hospice of the Western Reserve. "To serve them with our care at the end of their life is a tremendous honor." More information about Hospice of the Western Reserve's Peaceful and Proud program is available at hospicewr.org/veterans. To learn more about becoming a veteran volunteer, contact the volunteer services team at 216-255-9090.