WINCHESTER, CA--(Marketwire - April 5, 2010) - For hospitalized active duty military and veteran patients, having access to the therapeutic arts & crafts provided by national nonprofit Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) is something that not only helps pass the time, but contributes to the overall quality of life and rehabilitation.
Over the years HHV, the largest provider of free arts & crafts kits to VA and military medical facilities worldwide, has been told repeatedly about the countless benefits that arts & crafts provide -- they help veterans suffering traumatic brain injury by improving their concentration skills, or by diverting the attention of a cancer patient during an uncomfortable chemotherapy session. Crafts can also help improve the fine and gross motor skills of a stroke patient. The impact of working on a simple craft kit has had some amazing benefits.
HHV recently learned about a unique arts & crafts program underway at the VA Bay Pines Health Care System where administrators have taken the craft program to its hospice unit. The facility is host to HHV Craft Care Specialist (CCS) Kathy Vanasse, who has helped introduce a brand new perspective on arts & crafts.
"Many patients, once facing and coping with impending death, are now becoming more active in the craft clinic," said Vanasse. "It's so heartwarming to see these wonderful veterans put a kit together for a family member as a remembrance of them. One veteran completed HHV's Freedom Clock Kit and gave it to his family before he passed away. He asked them to think of him whenever they look at the clock."
Another item Vanasse reports great success from is the scrapbook kit. "The veterans are using the scrapbooks to create something to leave behind so family members can learn their stories. One veteran made his scrapbook entirely about his military service. These projects are giving hospice patients a new sense of purpose and their families are so appreciative when they receive the keepsake."
Vanasse has been working HHV's craft program at the Bay Pines VA for two years. She says that being around veterans is something she's very comfortable with, as her husband is an Air Force veteran and her son just graduated from Marine Corps boot camp. "I love working with the veterans," said Vanasse, "they can be quite inspiring." Vanasse is one of 60 CCSs employed by HHV and stationed at a VA or military medical facility. For more information on HHV's programs and services visit www.hhv.org or call (888)-567-VETS.
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