United States flags on display in a row.

Veterans Program

Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care has been honored to provide services for thousands of veterans since 1982 and now enhances that care with the Lightways We Honor Veteran’s Program.

About the Lightways We Honor Veterans Program

This comprehensive program focuses on respectfully celebrating veterans and providing care that recognizes the unique challenges that may exist in military families. This program provides care for those who served with the dignity and honor so richly deserved.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) reports that one of every four dying Americans is a veteran. Lightways is committed to providing care for those who served with pride, honoring their lives and service to our country. This is accomplished by offering caregiver support, Veteran to Veteran programs, pinning recognition ceremonies, bereavement support, and community education in addition to guidance on resources and benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Lightways Veterans Resource Guide

Lightways Veterans Program Resource Guide

Veterans Program FAQ

Who pays for Veterans’ Hospice Care?

The VA covers the cost of hospice care for qualified veterans. Hospice care may also be paid by Medicare, Medicaid, and by private insurance. At Lightways, no one is ever denied care based on their inability to pay or their ethnicity, age, gender, mental or physical status, or religion.

For more information about hospice and VA resources, please click here or call Lightways at 815.740.4104.

What services are offered?

Specialized Care for the Veteran Patient.

In addition to their proficiency in caring for those with advanced illnesses, Lightways’ staff and volunteers have undergone specific training from the Department of Veteran Affairs and other local experts, that helps them identify and deal with issues that are unique to those who have provided military service.

Many veterans have experienced traumatic events that have remained dormant for years only to emerge upon facing their own mortality. Treatment in each of these cases requires special sensitivity and Lightways’ clinical team of physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, certified nursing assistants and volunteers are prepared to identify these needs and recommend specific courses of action.

Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

Some veterans in the Chicago Area are now eligible to direct their services including using a budgeted amount of money to hire workers and customize care. Click the link below to find out more information regarding Veteran Directed Care.

Veteran holding flag of United States of America

VETERANS PROGRAM QUICKLINKS:   Veterans Program  |  Veterans Memorial Garden  |  Memorial Brick Pavers

Through darkness, we bring light

Contact Us

For more information about hospice and VA resources, please Contact us online or call Lightways at 815.740.4104.