Patriotic quilts bring comfort to veterans

Honoring veterans has always been a priority with Arkansas Hospice, but recently, an extra touch has helped bring comfort to veteran patients during their final days.

As part of the inpatient center’s homelike setting, every patient gets a small quilt or blanket lovingly sewn by volunteers.

The blankets and quilts are made by ladies throughout the community and several church groups. If the patient is only admitted as an inpatient for a short stay, he or she is invited to take the blanket home, Stokes said. If the patient passes away while at the center, the quilts are given to family members.

PATRIOTIC QUILTS

Some time ago, staff noticed that several of the blankets had red, white and blue color schemes, so they began saving them for veteran patients.

Then, the center began receiving quilts resembling a small flag – first from one volunteer and then a second. Stokes said it’s likely that the second lady saw the flag quilts while her husband was at the facility.

A nurse displays one of the hand-sewn patriotic quilts sewn for a patient who was being honored for their service to our nation

These specially made patriotic quilts can be extremely meaningful to the veteran patients and their families, Stokes said.

“The flag quilts show the veterans and their families that someone cares and appreciates the sacrifices they’ve made,” she said. “For most of these men and women, it’s probably the last time they’ll be thanked for their service.”

HONORING THOSE WHO’VE SERVED

Along with these patriotic pieces, veterans are honored with a special pinning ceremony as part of Arkansas Hospice’s Committed to Veterans program, which presents veterans in the organization’s care with a small flag and personalized certificate.

A volunteer gives a veteran a special pin as part of the “Committed to Veterans” program.

“One of every four dying Americans is a veteran,” said Anita Deal, Arkansas Hospice Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer. “Not every veteran wishes to be recognized, but most appreciate it. Of course, the pandemic has made it difficult to hold events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day these past two years, but we still do as much as we can to honor those who’ve served. These blankets and quilts are certainly a wonderful way to help do that.”

Grace Nowak, a WWII nurse and hospice patient, displays her veterans certificate and pin

For more information about the LifeTouch Health volunteer program and its veterans activities, visit LifeTouchHealth.org/veterans.