Honoring Those Who Served: Specialized Veteran Care at End of Life
- njHealth Team
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
At NJHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, caring for veterans is more than a clinical responsibility—it is a profound privilege. Our team is experienced in addressing the unique physical, emotional, and psychological needs of those who have served our country, ensuring they receive compassionate, respectful care at the end of life.
Veterans are not a single, uniform group. Each generation of service—from
World War II and Korea to Vietnam, the Gulf War, and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan—carries its own history, exposures, and lived experiences.
Understanding these differences is essential to delivering truly personalized care.
Veteran Tom Meisner of Margate entered the Navy at 17. He is soft-spoken with a quick wit, the kind of person who can bring a smile with just a few well-timed words. He loves to joke with those who visit him, including the hospice team members who have become such an important part of his days. But when he talks about the care he receives from NJHealth Hospice, his gratitude is sincere. "I may have served in the military, but you people do one hell of a job serving others." he said of his care team.
The NJHealth Approach: Compassionate, Veteran-Centered Care
Our interdisciplinary team is specially trained to support veterans and their families through our five-star program focusing on the following:
Trauma-informed care that recognizes triggers and promotes emotional safety
Respectful communication that honors each veteran’s service and story
Personalized care planning based on service history and individual needs
Emotional and spiritual support for both patients and families
Meaningful recognition of service, helping veterans feel seen, valued, and respected
"By understanding a veteran’s background and responding with compassion, we can significantly improve comfort, trust, and quality of life during this important time," said NJHealth CEO Suzanne Martinelli. "At NJHealth, we believe that ongoing education is key to providing exceptional care. We encourage our team members and volunteers to continue learning about veteran experiences, so we can better serve those who have sacrificed so much. Every veteran deserves care that reflects not just their medical needs."
How Military Experience Shapes End-of-Life Needs
Veterans’ needs are often deeply influenced by the era and nature of their service:
World War II & Korean War Veterans
Often value duty, structure, and stoicism
May underreport pain or emotional distress
Frequently experience age-related conditions compounded by past injuries
Vietnam Veterans
Higher prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
May carry unresolved trauma or distrust related to their service experience
Often benefit from sensitive communication and patience in building trust
Gulf War Veterans
May experience chronic, complex illnesses linked to environmental exposures
Can struggle with fatigue, pain, and unexplained symptoms
Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans
More likely to have experienced repeated deployments
Higher incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and anxiety
May face reintegration challenges and emotional strain later in life
Understanding PTSD and Moral Injury
Many veterans carry invisible wounds long after their service ends.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may present as:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Hypervigilance or heightened startle response
Avoidance of certain topics or experiences
Anxiety, depression, or emotional withdrawal
Moral Injury is another critical, often misunderstood challenge:
A deep sense of guilt, grief, or internal conflict
Can stem from actions taken—or not taken—during service
May impact spiritual well-being and end-of-life reflection
These experiences can resurface or intensify at the end of life, making trauma-informed care essential. Call us today 856-696-5340, or email info@njhealthteam.com
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