With two parents living at home and bothsuffering from life-limiting illnesses, Kathy andher family realized it was time to seek help. Atthe suggestion of their doctor, the family calledthe VNA to learn about hospice and our program.For several months, her parents received visitsfrom the hospice team, including nurse JenniferCuff, RN, social worker Mary Lou Daley, MSW,Chaplain Karen Lewis, MTS, MDiv, and volunteerMaria Aznar. Kathy spoke to us about her choiceto use VNA Hospice Care.

“At the time, I just was devastated because to me,hospice meant that they were going to die verysoon.

The nurse explained to me what hospice was. It wasjust a different kind of care they would be receivingat home, and the main goal was to keep them athome throughout the rest of their lives.

“They both got excellent care. We had a volunteercome, which my parents loved. She was about theirage, so they reminisced. They really enjoyed that.The chaplain was wonderful. At the end of mymother's life, that evening, the chaplain came out11:30 at night in the pouring rain and she prayedwith us. I'll never forget that.

“Without hospice, we wouldn't have gottenthrough the way we did. They died with dignity, theway we wanted them to. We were told what toexpect and what would happen, and it happenedjust that way. I learned so much about life anddeath with hospice, and so did my brother and mysister. Hospice really prepared us for their end-of-life stages. I was happy to be here for them becausemy biggest fear was that they would be alone, andthey weren’t.

“I always say we were so grateful to have hospice on ourside, and I'm so glad we made that phone call.”

Healing Family NewsHOME HEALTH & HOSPICE SERVICES

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ADULT DAY CENTER

Spring 2015

Making the Choice for Hospice

When her parents’ health declined and a choice was needed for end-of-life care, Kathy (l) and hersiblings turned to the VNA Hospice Care program. Nurse Jennifer Cuff, RN (c) and social worker Mary

Lou Daley (r), were part of the team providing Kathy’s parents and the family with medical,emotional and spiritual support.

Both patients in our Hospice Care program, Kathy’s parents wereable to spend their final time together, at home, surrounded by family.

Our Spring Rummage Sale, a favoritecommunity tradition, takes place thefirst weekend in May. Whether bydonating goods or shopping forbargains, your contributions are moreimportant than ever. Although homecare reimbursements from Medicarehave been reduced, thanks to yoursupport, we are able to continueproviding the same exceptional level ofcare and range of services.

With your help, people with chronicillness are able to better manage their conditions and remainout of the hospital. Through every dollar raised at the Saleand our other events, adults and seniors needingcompanionship during the day can attend our Adult Day Cluband live at home, out of long-term care, as long as possible.The daily respite provided to their caregivers improves thequality of life for their entire family. With your generosity, ourHospice Care patients and their loved ones can cherish theirfinal time together in the comfort of home.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Far Hills FairgroundsMay 1-3. Your support of our Spring and Fall Rummage Salesbrings care, hope and healing to all those in need.

ChairCharles A. Reid III, Esq.

1st Vice ChairMaureen Schneider, RN, MSN, MBA, Ph.D.

2nd Vice ChairJuliet Patsalos-Fox

SecretaryPeter Mercer

TreasurerMarianne Witte

Board of DirectorsGrania Allport, RN Carol Butera Peter Burke, Esq. Denise Coyle, Esq. Jim Helpinstill Brian Lawrence Susan Lichtenberger, RN Sue Manley Charles MillerBarbara Niedz, RN, Ph.D. Peter Orlic, M.D. Dan Powell Evelyn Prather

Board of Trustees 14-15

How You Help Those in Need A note from Ann Painter, RN, MSN, President & CEO

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Ann Painter, VNA President & CEO

For many elderly adults, asking for assistance with daily tasks and admitting a loss ofindependence isn’t easy. Others don’t realize they need help. You can help your parentsand loved ones by engaging in a conversation about their health and well-being. Use thischecklist as a guide and take note of changes in their appearance, living conditions, andabilities. By taking an active role as caregiver, you will help them enjoy a fulfilling life aslong as possible, preferably at home.

• Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility• Forgetfulness or noticeable memory loss, including common words and directions tofamiliar places

• Missed appointments• Noticeable change in appearance and grooming habits, including infrequent bathingor body odor

• Neglected housework or unusually cluttered home • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities• Unexplained dents or scratches on car• Changes in personality or mood swings• Bruises• Weight loss

Observing any of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious medicalissue. However, they could be warning signs for depression, dementia, medicationcomplications, chronic illness, and other conditions.

Encourage your loved one to see their healthcare provider for regular checkups. Helpthem address any safety concerns in the home to help prevent falls. Consider homecareservices to assist with daily living activities including bathing, dressing, personalgrooming, light housekeeping, laundry and shopping. The VNA of Somerset Hills offersspecialized services and information to support caregivers and assist with the importantdecisions and daily burdens of caring for an elderly loved one. Contact us at 908-766-0180or online at visitingnurse.org.

For Caregivers: Recognizing When Help is Needed

Dollars raised at the Rummage Sale and through other events help subsidize Adult Day Club memberships. The club, for adults and seniors needing companionship during the day, is an ideal choice for caregivers knowing their loved ones are well

cared for and safe. Our recreational activities provide fun and beneficial exercise for all attendees, regardless of cognitive abilities.

• Follow up with your health providers and keep all scheduled appointments.• Take all medication as prescribed, even if you feel better.• Follow your physician’s recommendation for exercise or physical activity.• Note any changes in weight, blood pressure, breathing, urination and bowels, andpromptly report them to your healthcare provider.

Your home care agency is your choice.Request us by our full name:

VNA of Somerset Hills Mention the sale and follow us onTwitter: @VNArummagesale

Like us and comment on Facebook:Facebook.com/VNArummagesale

Share your photos on Instagram:@VNArummagesale

Rummage Fans, Post and Share!

Recovering at Home? Follow these Reminders

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Our MissionTo provide individuals and families with comprehensive, high quality, cost-effective home and

community healthcare services, regardless of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate.

At 48 years old, being hospitalized and diagnosedwith diabetes, high blood pressure, congestiveheart failure and atrial fibrillation was devastatingnews for Erica. Following discharge, she returnedhome to recover with assistance from ourTransition to Independence program for patientswith chronic illness. By choosing to participate inthe program, Erica took an important steptowards a better and more independent quality oflife.

The program is supported through a grant fromthe Grotta Fund for Senior Care of the JewishCommunity Foundation of Greater Metrowest NJ.Through services including telehealth monitoringand coaching, VNA nurse Debbie Levin, RN, BSN,and dietician Marla Schoor, MS, RD, helped Ericalearn to better self-manage her conditions andreduce her risk of hospital readmission.

“Debbie, Marla, and the rest of the staff were thehands that held mine. They were always kind andsupportive while encouraging and empowering meto take control of my own health. Debbie wouldmonitor my numbers and call me if any were offtarget. She would talk with me about what I wasdoing and eating. Marla met with me several times at Wegmans to talk about my food choices. She walked through theaisles with me, reading food labels, helping me become far more aware of carbohydrate and sodium content of foods.

“Making big changes in one’s life can be a daunting task. Debbie, Marla, and the rest of the VNA staff made me feel I wasn’talone. I know if I need assistance, they are only a phone call away.”

VNA of Somerset Hills nurse Debbie Levin, RN, BSN (l), and dietician Marla Schoor, MS, RD (r),helped Erica better self-manage her chronic conditions and reduce her risk of hospital

readmission. Through their coaching, Erica learned the importance of monitoring her healthwith tools including a scale, blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter.

Helping Patients Help Themselves: Learning to Live with Chronic Illness

Rummage Sale DonationsApril 4 - 2210:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Monday-Saturday

Rummage SaleFriday and Saturday May 1 & 2 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Sunday, May 312:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Annual MeetingMay 133:30 p.m.VNA Headquarters

Hospice MemorialMay 285:00 p.m.VNA Headquarters

Annual Golf ClassicSeptember 14Neshanic Valley Golf Course

Non-ProfitUS POSTAGE PAID

Chester, NJPermit No. 468

If you are a current or former patient and do not wish to receive future fundraising requests supporting the VisitingNurse Association of Somerset Hills, please contact us at news@visitingnurse.org or 908-766-0180 ext.151, identifyingyourself and stating that you no longer want to receive fundraising requests. After receiving your request, we will honor

your decision not to receive future fundraising communications.

200 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-766-0180visitingnurse.org

NURSING & REHABILITATION THERAPY

HOSPICE CARE

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

HOME HEALTH AIDES

ADULT DAY CLUB

RESPITE CARE & CAREGIVER ASSISTANCE

PRIVATE PAY

COMMUNITY WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Upcoming Events

SAVE THE DATEAnnual VNA GOLF CLASSIC

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015Neshanic Valley Golf Course

Contact us to recieve event updates or learn about sponsor opportunities at news@visitingnurse.org

or 908-766-0180 ext. 140

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit us online at visitingnurse.org