Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Marcolongo.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the granddaughter of a Navy WWII veteran that was at the Battle of Guadalcanal. My father and uncle are graduates of the United States Naval Academy. I married a Marine Corps officer. My husband, Nico, served two combat deployments in Iraq. It wasn’t until I saw my grandfather struggle with memories of his military service while on hospice that I started to understand the emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges that veterans may experience at the end of life.
I have worked at The Elizabeth Hospice, a nonprofit hospice provider in San Diego County and Southwest Riverside County, for 17 years. I have had the opportunity to meet amazing men and women who have served our nation that served during WWII, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam and peacetime.
A smaller share of Americans currently serves in the military than at any time since the peace-time era between World Wars I and II. In the past ten years, as the military has been engaged in the longest period of sustained conflict in the nation’s history in Iraq and Afghanistan, fewer than one percent of adults have served in the U.S Armed Forces. As the size of the military shrinks, the connections between military personnel and the civilian population appear to be growing more distant. It’s my goal to make sure that our older veterans are recognized and thanked for their service to our nation by members of our community. It’s never too late.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve learned more about post-traumatic stress (PTS) after my husband, Nico, returned from his second deployment from Iraq in 2007. Shortly after his return, he was diagnosed with PTS. With the help of various therapies, Nico is doing very well. Our family is thriving. The first step to healing was asking for help. We continue to discuss the challenges of PTS in the hopes that it breaks down any stigma and helps other families find resources. It’s not just those in uniform that serve, but it’s the entire family.
In 2009, our family was invited to participate in a Sesame Street special, “Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change.” because we had first-hand experience dealing with invisible war injuries. The thirty-minute primetime special was aimed at children ages 3 to 8, hosted by Queen Latifah and Elmo that aired on PBS nationwide. Awareness and openness about PTS has come a long way both within the military and the broader community, and that’s in part thanks to programs like Sesame Street.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Elizabeth Hospice is a “Level 5 Partner,” the highest distinction possible, with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) – in the national We Honor Veterans program. The Elizabeth Hospice was the first hospice in Southern California to receive the Level 5 Partner level. The Level 5 partner status requires annual recertification. An emphasis is on staff education and efforts to meet the unique needs of Vietnam-era and combat veterans.
Our volunteers, veterans and active-duty military personnel are integral to the program. Active duty service members and veteran volunteers assist The Elizabeth Hospice by providing companionship visits with hospice patients. They thank fellow veterans for their service by officiating veteran pinning ceremonies at the bedside. Each veteran is presented with a certificate of appreciation with their name and branch of service and an American flag lapel pin. The most important part of the ceremony is the time spent with the veteran hospice patient and their family reminiscing about their time in the service and reflecting on how their service impacted their lives. It’s a privilege to hear their stories, actively listen, and let the person share their experiences.
The demands of military life can take their toll on a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Some veterans who have coped well throughout their life may experience distressing memories and emotions during their end-of-life journey.
Our hospice care teams help ensure that veterans are aware of their healthcare options and receive the medical support and attention they need and deserve. Our veteran hospice caregivers have specialized training that enables them to address post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and soul injury.
Our efforts relay a message not only to veterans but to the family members, caregivers, and community that we strive to provide the best care for the men and women who stepped forward and took an oath to protect our freedoms and the Constitution.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The need for community and technology are essential. We’ve realized during the pandemic the importance of the human connection, whether that’s in-person or virtual. Get involved in meaningful challenges or causes. Try a new sport while practicing social distancing such as golf or kayaking. Try digital games or peer support groups. We all need to find activities that help mitigate loneliness and mental health problems.
Contact Info:
- Email: Lisa.Marcolongo@ehospice.org
- Website: https://elizabethhospice.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Elizabeth_Hospice/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheElizabethHospice/
