Tom Meisner is recognized for this service in this pinning ceremony with his NJHealth Hospice Team Case Manager Amy Lotz, RN. His Margate neighborhood showed up to thank him for his service. Pinning Ceremonies are part of NJHealth Veteran Care Five-Star Program.
When a veteran is facing advanced illness, families deserve care that honors both the person and the service behind their story.
For many families, the decision to ask about hospice comes during a difficult and emotional time. The goal of NJ Hospice & Palliative Care is to make that conversation easier by providing clear information, compassionate care, and dependable support every step of the way. This is why the organization created a program to provide compassionate veteran-focused hospice services throughout South Jersey, helping veterans receive comfort, guidance, and support wherever they call home.
“At NJ Health, we listen first,” said Suzanne Martinelli, CEO and administrator. “Then we build a care plan around the veteran’s goals, values, comfort, and wishes while supporting the family members who are walking beside them.”
The NJ Health Team Five- Star program provides:
• Respectful hospice care shaped by each veteran’s service history, values, and goals.
• Comfort-focused support for serious or advanced life-altering illnesses.
• Guidance for families through caregiving, decisions, grief, and bereavement.
• Support that honors each veteran’s preferences, values, spiritual needs, and legacy.
• Recognition of their service to our country.
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 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.
“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 Martinelli. “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.”
These experiences can resurface or intensify at the end of life, making trauma-informed care essential.
Call 856-696-5340, or email info@njhealthteam.com
