October 7, 2019

EveryStep Receives "We Honor Veterans" Initiative Level Four Status

EveryStep Hospice has earned one of the highest recognitions in the national We Honor Veterans initiative – Level 4 status. The status has only been achieved by 9 other hospice providers in Iowa. 

As a We Honor Veterans Level 4 hospice provider, EveryStep has demonstrated its commitment in improving the quality of care for Veterans in our communities.

During the past year, EveryStep brought specialized hospice care to 311 Veterans, hosted 47 honorary “pinning” ceremonies, and provided 207 volunteer hours of understanding and companionship through our Veteran-to-Veteran hospice volunteer program.

As a participating We Honor Veterans program, EveryStep Hospice “earned its stars” by providing Veteran-specific education to our staff and volunteers, building organizational capacity to provide quality care for Veterans, strengthening relationships with Veteran organizations, and improving access and quality of care for Veterans. 

EveryStep's Veteran Commitment  

When it comes to caring for veterans, EveryStep understands the importance of acknowledging and remembering our patients' service to our country. EveryStep provides specialized care, recognition, volunteer support, community education and resources to Veterans and their families. 

Our Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer Program is a special service that pairs veterans who are volunteers with patients who have served our country. Veteran partners provide companionship while talking, reading and sitting with patients. There are some issues veterans only feel comfortable sharing with other veterans. Veterans bring a unique skill set to help patients come to terms with past events, finding peace at end of life.

Through our Veteran-to-Veteran Program, EveryStep hosts Veteran Pinning ceremonies to provide honor and dignity to veterans at the end of our patients' lives. The ceremonies include the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer of thanks, the awarding of a veteran service flag pin, the signing of “God Bless America,” a reading of What is a Veteran, and the presentation of a certificate of recognition.

For stories recognizing our Veteran patients and volunteers, click on the links below: 

Honoring Our Veterans: EveryStep Flag Stands
Veteran Pinning Ceremony: Honoring Dennis Ross
Veteran Pinning Ceremony: Honoring Harold Linden
Honoring A Life Service: Jerry Hampton
Celebrating 102 Years: David Appel