VNANNJ Communications
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July 2024
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Not all hospice programs are the same.7/18/2023 Why VNA Hospice? Hospice care is intended to enhance the quality of life for people with terminal illnesses by providing pain management and care and support for the patient and their caregivers. But not all hospice programs are the same. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) provides a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. What does this mean?
Just because a hospice diagnosis is received, it does not mean it is final. Some patients improve and are moved from hospice to conventional medical care. That’s when VNA patients also benefit from our unique hospice program. VNA patients may move seamlessly between traditional home health care, palliative care, and hospice care with the same VNA team instead of moving in and out of different facilities and programs. When families are dealing with the stress of terminal illness this is especially comforting. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Tips to keep those with Dementia safe7/11/2023 A practical guide for caregivers of a loved one with dementia. Keeping someone with dementia safe from getting lost requires implementing various strategies to minimize the risk. Here are some suggestions:
Remember, every individual with dementia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to regularly reassess the safety measures and adapt them based on the person's changing needs and abilities. Consulting with healthcare professionals, dementia support groups, or organizations specializing in dementia care, such as VNA of Northern New Jersey (VNA), can provide additional guidance and resources for keeping someone with dementia safe. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Exercise is good preventive medicine. After 40, muscle and bone mass decrease every year, eventually leading to instability, falls, and fractures. In fact, 1 in 3 adults 50 years and older experience at least one fall per year which leads to ever-increasing inactivity and physical decline. This age-related reduction in muscle mass, strength, and physical performance is known as sarcopenia. Osteoporosis, obesity, and many other age-related conditions are associated with or made worse by sarcopenia. So, if muscle and bone mass are maintained or improved, will health improve? Many studies show the answer is a resounding YES, and the preventive medicine is simple.
Remember, consistency and patience are key when it comes to gaining muscle and bone mass. It may take time to see significant results, but with dedication and the right approach, you may find that exercise is indeed your fountain of youth. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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2022 Annual Report • Spring Newsletter6/27/2023
You can read our Spring Newsletter and Annual Report, along with our other publications, on our website. Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Please Help Us Continue To Bloom!6/20/2023 You can help someone age in the comfort of home As life renews around us this spring, we are reaching out to you, our valued supporter because we are so grateful for your belief in our mission to help those in the winter of life. Founded in 1898, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has been serving the state of New Jersey for 125 years, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. Today, we invite you to join us once again in making a tremendous impact on the lives of so many of our neighbors hoping to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. But did you know that Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need? On the last day of this spring season, we ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our ongoing efforts. Your gift, no matter the size, will have a significant impact. Here are a few ways you can contribute:
To make your contribution or learn more, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call our VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. Thank you for being a beacon of hope to those we serve. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Father’s Day Ideas for Caregivers6/13/2023 Here are some ideas for how caregivers might celebrate Father's Day Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) expresses our heartfelt appreciation for all the amazing dads out there. Caregivers play a crucial role in the lives of the dads they care for. Celebrating Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor Dad and share some special time together.
Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Why foot care becomes more important with age If you are over 50 you may already notice that your shoe size is getting larger. Consider that by age 50 most people have walked the equivalent of several times around the world! That’s a lot of pressure on your feet, ligaments, and tendons, causing your feet to flatten and spread. And the natural loss of bone density, muscle mass, and fatty collagen that comes with the aging process adds to foot problems. This is one of the reasons why the elderly are at risk of experiencing a serious fall. But don’t despair, here are some tips for aging foot care. Exercise your feet That’s right, make it a habit to exercise your feet for a few minutes every day. There are many exercise tutorials available online. Here are a few:
Here are some additional foot care tips
Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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125 Years of Home Care!5/31/2023 The longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey 2023 marks 125 years since VNA’s first nurse, Anna B. Hillock, traveled dirt roads to visit patients in their homes. This incredible milestone celebrates our core values of ensuring the health and well-being of the community we serve across six counties. From nursing to therapy to hospice at home or at our inpatient unit, we have never wavered or let pandemics and natural disasters disrupt our work. We've always been there, providing unparalleled, personalized home health care solutions. We thank everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to the next 125 years of trusted home health care. Did you know that in 1898, Anna and the care she provided was funded by charitable contributions? Since then, we’ve relied on the support of our community to ensure that the care our patients and caregivers need is provided regardless of their ability to pay. Please consider making a donation in celebration of our anniversary by visiting vnannj.org/donate or calling VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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How to Make Caregiving Special5/23/2023 Tips to make caregiving a special time Caring for ill or aged loved ones is stressful. But it can also be a time for making special bonds and lasting memories. Here are some tips, or maybe just reminders: 1. Offer comfort rather than correction Constantly correcting a patient who feels they are a burden, is argumentative, or has dementia is exhausting for you and for your patient. Ask yourself, “Is this something that really requires correction for safety reasons or can I let it go?” Practice gently giving reassurance and moving the subject to something positive. You may find your patient becomes less argumentative, making your job much easier. 2. Listen Your caregiving routine requires a lot of your time and it is common for caregivers to miss the meaning of what their patient is trying to communicate. Too often, arguments and bad feelings between patients and caregivers arise from misunderstandings. For example, a patient may say “Where is my money?” sounding as though they are accusing the caregiver of mishandling their finances. By asking “Why are you concerned about your money?” it may be the patient is actually fearful of having too little to maintain their care. Instead of responding with “Don’t worry about that,” causing bad feelings for both patient and caregiver, now there is an opportunity to discuss the real issue and bond over the appropriate and reassuring response. 3. Find your mutual interests The time you would like to spend on your own interests might include your patient. Find what interests you share with your patient so you can enjoy them together. Reading to each other is a lost art that is truly satisfying and the type of reading materials and topics are endless. Might your patient like to learn your favorite games or try your talent for art and music? Quiet time while people-watching is often especially enjoyable for patients with dementia and for their caregivers. 4. Make memories While caring for your patient, encourage them to share their special memories of people and places. Review family albums with them to prompt them. And be sure to record these conversations – the more you encourage them to share the more you may learn. Prepare to be surprised! 5. Take advantage of caregiver resources Have you read the previous tips and thought “That’s great, but when do I find time for myself”? Ask yourself if you have made it clear to other family members that you need help. Don’t expect others to step up if they don’t know what you need. Be specific (“I need 3 hours on Saturdays to attend to other needs”). And you should also be aware that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey offers a variety of caregiver respite care programs, including some grant-funded programs that are free of charge.* Learn more here: Respite Care Resources. *These services are made possible through grants received from the Morris County and Sussex County Boards of County Commissioners and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Eligibility requirements may apply. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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Give Yourself a Caregiving Break5/16/2023 Why Caregivers Need a Caregiver Caring for ill loved ones is necessary and can also be rewarding. But nearly 1 in 5 caregivers report a high level of physical strain, according to the "Caregiving in the U.S. 2020" report from AARP Public Policy Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC). Too much time without a break can lead to physical and emotional burnout, which is not helpful to the caregiver, the patient, or other family members. The trick is finding the time and resources to take over caregiving responsibilities. Respite Care Can Help Respite care is caregiver support that provides short-term relief in the home by nurses, home health aides, or others, for primary caregivers. There are programs available to provide caregiver relief for just a few hours or for regularly scheduled respite care. Care can be provided at home, in a health care facility, or at an adult day center. Respite Care Resources Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey offers a variety of respite care programs, including some grant-funded programs that are free of charge.* * These services are made possible through grants received from the Morris County and Sussex County Boards of County Commissioners and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. Eligibility requirements may apply. Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency. Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation: 973-451-4148. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence. © All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.
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