HOUSE CALLS

Falls Prevention WeekPreventing Falls in the Home

40 Years of WICNurturing Mothers &Children Since 1974

NJBIZ “40 Under 40”AwardVNA Health Group CEO Honored

Hospice Support for Jewish Patients Generously Funded by Ruth Hyman

FALL VOL. 25, NO.2

2014VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

HEALTH & HOSPICE

Pictured at right: William Convery, RNC VNA Health Group NurseCase Manager, since 2009

Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey • Cape Visiting Nurse Association Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurses • Visiting Nurse Association of Englewood

In April, VNA Health Group named a hospice program after Ms. Ruth Hyman, a philanthropist and lifelong resident of Monmouth County. With her generous donation, the Ruth Hyman Spiritual Support in the Jewish Tradition program will expand services for Judaic spirituality for Jewish patients and their families.

In 1980, VNA Health Group opened the first in-home hospice program in Monmouth County, which now operates hospice throughout the state. Hospice brings together health professionals, counselors, spiritual advisors of all faiths, and volunteers to provide a special kind of care for patients at the end of life.

"Hospice is a program that provides support for the entire family in the final stage of a loved one's life," said Rabbi Nathan Langer, VNA Health Group Hospice Chaplain. "Our team of professionals takes care of both physical and spiritual needs to provide comfort and create the support that is needed for a peaceful and dignified death and provide bereavement services for family members and caregivers."

“Ruth is a strong, morally principled woman who understands exactly what good she can do in the world and does it,” said Langer. “Her support will give us the opportunity to expand our services and address the Jewish perspective of death and dying, and coping through the whole cycle of dying.”

Hyman said that she learned the value of giving from her parents. “If they saw a need, they’d give what they had.”

For 48 years, Hyman owned Ruth Hyman Fashions, a retailwomen’s apparel business, which she started following a 30-year career as a federal employee.

In addition to running her business, Hyman contributed time and financial support to numerous Jewish communityorganizations. Hyman has served as president of the LongBranch Hadassah, is a benefactor and board member of the Jewish Community Center, a board member of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Monmouth County, and a member of the Congregation of Brothers of Israel.

“We have an [Hebrew] expression, 'Tikkun Olam,' which means to make a difference,“ said Hyman. “Hospice is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families.“

"People deserve an opportunity to live without pain and die without suffering," said Langer. "Ruth's gift supports what we do emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and medically to help people prepare for the end of life and bid farewell in the most honorable, spiritual, and blessed way.”

VNA Health Group Names Judaic Spirituality Hospice Program After Local Philanthropist

From left: Rabbi Nathan W. Langer, VNA Health Group hospice chaplain; Steven Landers, President & CEO, VNA Health Group; Ms. Ruth Hyman, philanthropist and lifelong resident of Monmouth County; Bridget A. Murphy, Chief Philanthropy Officer, VNA Health Group.

A Message From Our CEODear Friends of Visiting Nurse Association Health Group,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer and is ready for a wonderful fall! VNA Health Group has been busy the last few months with our special events, including the 2014 Annual Golf Classic at Hollywood Country Club and our most recent benefit dinner, “From Front Street to Wall Street” held at the NY Stock Exchange. We hope you will join us in October at our Halloween Fest, a fun family day hosted by our Children’s Auxiliary Committee benefiting our Children and Family Health programs.

It has been a strong year so far for VNA Health Group, with growth in our partnerships with hospitals, and enhancements to the services provided to our patients and the communities we serve. I continue to be moved by the incredible community support we receive at these events. It is an inspiration for our team members who are always working hard to provide the best care possible for our patients and families. Thank you!

In this issue of House Calls, you will learn more about VNA Health Group’s Falls Prevention program, a collaborative effort between VNA Health Group’s physical and occupational therapy teams and our rehabilitation partners. We are excited about this initiative, which works with individuals and their families to better condition their bodies and best equip their homes to mitigate the chances of falls and injuries, so they may remain safe and healthy in their homes.

I recently gave a community talk titled, “How to Live to 100,” and emphasized that to attain longevity and mobility, it’s important to maintain a healthy heart and brain and NOT FALL! Preventing falls in older adults requires the patient and healthcare team to consider many issues, including vision impairment, medications that

may cause unsteadiness, pain, home environment, strength and endurance, and the proper use of equipment like walkers and canes. Our home health teams are ready and able to help!

Also, you’ll read about a recent VNA Health Group donor and supporter, Ruth Hyman, and the tremendous impact her efforts have made on our hospice program. Her generosity will help many families.

We also commemorate WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman Infants & Children) as it celebrates its 40-year anniversary. VNA Health Group has a long history as the sole WIC provider for Middlesex and Monmouth Counties, and this issue touches upon the incredible work done through tremendous efforts of the WIC and VNA Health Group partnership.

I continue to be humbled by the outpouring support from our community. As a nonprofit organization, the work of VNA Health Group would not be possible without all of your support and generosity. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Steven Landers, MD, MPHPresident & CEO of VNA Health Group

Combining CompassionateHealthcare and the Latest Technology

to Transform Home Health, Hospice, and Community Care

IN-HOME SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGHOUT

NEW JERSEY

VNA of Central Jersey Cape VNA

Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurses VNA of Englewood

800.862.3330 • VNAhg.org

Care at Home Personal CareNursing VisitsTherapy VisitsSocial ServicesSymptom ReliefEnd-of-Life CareInfusion ServicesTelehealth

Care in the CommunityCommunity Health CentersHealth ScreeningsCare CoordinationCase ManagementDisease ManagementAIDS/HIV ServicesPublic HealthServices for Children

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATIONHEALTH & HOSPICE

HOUSE CALLS

“VNA Health Group's hospice program is extremely worthwhile, and it does my heart good to support a program that helps so many people,” said Ms. Hyman.

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Falls Prevention Is Everyone’s Responsibility

• Nationally, WIC serves 1 in 2 babies at 10,000 locations

• Since 1984, more than 4.5 million VNACJ WIC participants have used vouchers in local grocery stores

• In 1992, WIC established a breastfeeding program and hired its first international board-certified lactation consultant. More than 1,000 breast pumps have been distributed to help increase breastfeeding duration

• In 2007, online nutrition education became available, and VNACJ opened nutrition education kiosks in Perth Amboy, Belford, and New Brunswick

• VNACJ expanded service hours to evenings and Saturdays to meet the needs of working families

• Through June 2014, VNACJ identified blood irregularities in at least 5 children during routine blood screenings; these children were later diagnosed with blood disorders or leukemia

• In 2013, more than 100 children had dental exams at our Freehold WIC site through a collaboration with Mobile Dentist Smile program

• VNACJ conducts food demonstrations to help families learn how to incorporate sometimes unfamiliar WIC foods into their diets

• In 2013, VNACJ provided nearly $18 million in food value that was spent at local grocery stores

WIC FACTS

For more information, visit www.vnahg.org/WIC or call 800.862.3330.HOUSE CALLS

40 Years Helping Children Get a Healthy Start This year marks the 40th anniversary of the federally funded Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which has helped millions of children get proper nutrition critical to early child development.

For just as long, the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ), a member of VNA Health Group, has been the sole operator of the program in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. The program has since expanded to 14 sites and is now operated by our Children and Family Health Institute.

WIC is a federal grant program that provides education about nutrition, vouchers for nutritious foods, breastfeeding counseling, lactation consulting, anemia screening, and healthcare referrals for women who are pregnant or postpartum, and infants and children under the age of 5.

In 1972, WIC was piloted as a supplemental food program for low-income pregnant

mothers, infants, and children, and by 1974 it was operating in 45 states, including New Jersey. A year later it became a permanent program

by legislation.

“Many mothers who participate in our WIC program are struggling with a variety of issues, such as having adequate housing, child care, and transportation, and often, healthy, fresh food is the last thing they can afford,” said Robin McRoberts, manager of the VNACJ WIC program. “WIC is a safety net for women who find themselves in difficult circumstances, and once they participate, they know we can help them feed their families in a healthy way.”

To be eligible for WIC, candidates must meet income guidelines, a state residency requirement, and be determined to be at a nutritional risk by one of our trained health professionals. Women are certified for the WIC program every 6 months.

In 2013, more than 36,000 mothers and children received food vouchers and nutritional counseling through VNACJ’s WIC program. Our WIC lactation consultants and breastfeeding peer counselors visited 4 hospitals throughout Monmouth and Middlesex County to ensure breastfeeding was established, answer questions, and address challenges.

“WIC is really more than food vouchers, it’s a community support system,” said McRoberts. “And by tapping into the resources and expertise of the Children and Family Health Institute at VNA Health Group, we are doing everything we can to ensure children are getting a healthy start.”

For more information about VNA Health Group Falls Prevention program, visit us at www.vnahg.org/falls-prevention or call 800.862.3330.

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Source: National Council on Agingand Centers for Disease Control

FACTS ABOUT FALLS• Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and over; as baby boomers join

the ranks of 65+, injuries and deaths will escalate

• More than $30 billion is spent annually on fall-related injuries; most is spent on hospitalizations and emergency room visits

• Two-thirds of falls are preventable

• Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within 6 months

• Fractures are both the most common and most costly type of nonfatal injuries

• Each year, more than 20,000 older adults die from falls

• The average hospital stay for a hip fracture is 1 week; 25% of those will need to stay in a nursing home for at least a year

• A tai chi exercise program was shown to decrease fall risk by 55%, while other exercise programs

reduced risk by 30%

VNA Health Group Falls Prevention program kicked off Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-27) with a community health fair cohosted with HealthSouth. The week is an annual effort to highlight fall hazards and increase awareness of ways to prevent and reduce falls.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 years of age and over. Every 14 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury. The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age, and one half of those over the age of 80 will fall each year, resulting in medical costs exceeding $27 billion annually.

Our Falls Preventionprogram is an interdisciplinary approach to falls prevention and management that treats a complex set of issues holistically. It is led by our physical and

occupational therapists who work with our nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, home health aides and nutritionists, and with the patient’s doctor and family.

This team works together proactively to educate the patient and structure the patient’s environment to prevent injury

risks, or to treat and rehabilitate patients after a fall to enhance their recovery

and manage further risks.

Physical and occupational therapists are specially

trained on the proper use of durable

medical equipment and in making home assessments to advise patients and families on how to reduce fall risks in the home. They can also work with patients’

doctors to design a comprehensive

treatment plan and exercise program to

help the patient manage multiple

chronic conditions.

Proactively reducing falls reduces the pain and costs of

fall-related injuries and greatly enhances longevity and quality of life.

For tips on fall prevention from Patricia Sackman, VNA Health Group Occupational Therapist, please turn to page 6.

THERE AREMANY WAYSTO HELP

For more information and

to make a gift, visit

www.vnahg.org/donate

or call 732.224.6780. — Patricia Sackman, MA, OTR/L

Dr. Steven Landers Honored with NJBIZ “40 Under 40” Award

VNA HEALTH GROUP

EVENTS AND

HAPPENINGS

HOUSE CALLS

The 28th Annual Golf Classic Honoring the O'Mealia Family Raised $80,000 to Support VNA Health Group

Our Power of the Purse Auction Raised More Than $38,000 to Support Programs for Children With Special Needs

How to Prevent Falls: Q&A with a VNA Health Group Occupational Therapist

Q. How can I prevent falls?

A. Installing grab bars in the shower and near the toilet will help, and if necessary, use a shower chair or raised commode with arms. Keep main pathways clear of all clutter and obstacles. Have a physical or occupational therapist make a home visit to assess dangers and determine if any durable medical equipment can help, including canes or walkers. Therapists can also train you to use equipment properly and safely. Regular exercise will maintain muscle strength and aid in your overall health and vitality.

Q. How prevalent are falls in the home and at what age are we at the highest risk?

A. Sixty percent of falls occur in the home, and 30% of those who fall are 65 years of age or older. Thirty percent of those who fall have fallen 1 or more times previously. It is important to keep in mind that in this age group, 1 week of bed rest requires 3 months of activity to regain lost muscle strength.

Q. What are the most common risk factors for falls?

• Improper footwear, such as flip flops or open-back slippers/shoes. With these types of footwear, it’s very easy to lose one’s footing or balance

• Poor lighting in dark hallways or spaces can create fall hazards. Keep a night-light on in the hallways and bathroom at all times, especially if you or your loved one must frequently urinate during the night

• There are specific hazards in the home that can increase one’s risk for falls, including oxygen tubing, pets/pet toys, unsecured rugs or carpets, telephone or other electrical cords, or office or kitchen chairs that are on wheels

• Medication side effects, especially pain medications, can decrease balance and increase risk of falls

VNACJ Thrift & Consignment Shop Opens Furniture AnnexThe VNACJ Thrift & Consignment Shop is happy to announce the opening of its new Furniture Annex at 67 Main Street in Manasquan. Featuring gently used furniture, rugs, lamps, and artwork, the Annex is staffed by volunteers and is open from 10 am – 4 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. To donate or volunteer, call the thrift shop at 732.223.1923. Proceeds support VNA Health Group.

A.

NJBIZ honored Steven Landers, MD, MPH, VNA Health Group’s President and CEO, with their "40 Under 40" award at a ceremony in Somerset on September 29. This annual awards program celebrates 40 of New Jersey’s most accomplished young professionals who have been making headlines in their field.

Dr. Landers, age 39, has emerged to become one of the most visible and respected healthcare leaders by integrating connected health technologies with home health care to serve the needs of the most vulnerable. A family physician and geriatrician, Dr. Landers joined VNA Health Group in 2012 and has expanded its nursing services, developed closer relationships with physicians and other healthcare providers, improved overall care and reduced costs while reinforcing a commitment to helping children, older adults, those with disabling chronic illness, and people living in poverty.

In his work at the Cleveland Clinic and VNA Health Group, Dr. Landers brought innovative ideas and technology to the traditional house call visit by championing new mobile and digital technologies. These devices connect patients, families, and providers with a goal of improving care, self-management, education, and

Photo courtesy of Caring Magazine

independence. He sees technology as an opportunity to bring topnotch healthcare to under-served communities, reduce frequent hospitalizations for conditions that could be prevented through in-person and remote monitoring, and extend support beyond in-person home visits.

Dr. Landers is developing “integrated institutes,” to drive research and advances in health technology and integrated care models. With more than 76 million aging baby boomers at our doorstep, Dr. Landers’ vision for comprehensive, high-quality home health care services and patient-centered care has never been more relevant.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Landers on receiving this award that recognizes his commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and the community!

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Pictured L to R: Harry O'Mealia and Jim O'Mealia

Pictured L to R: Mimi Walsh, Susan Keating, Liz Hickey, and Teresa Egan

Pictured: Sullivan Family

and winners of the Robert C. Stanley

Memorial Cup

Back row L to R Jill Drummond, Maryam Spector, Lisa Halikias, and Sarah Devine. Front row L to R: Heather Yockel and Nikie Sourlis

Pictured L to R: Alli Landers, Amy Manor, and Sophia Yonezuka

Chairman’s Circle of Friends

Named in honor of VNA Health Group’s passionate and dedicated volunteer leaders who have guided the organization throughout its history, The Chairman’s Circle of Friends’ donor

societies recognize those who give $100 or more annually in support of vital home health, hospice, and community-based care programs. Various benefits are offered to donors at different giving levels. They also receive special communications from the foundation board chair and CEO, receive a subscription to the VNA newsletter, and are invited to the annual meeting. Donors who contribute up to $99 annually are recognized as a Friend of VNA Health Group.

Caregiver Hero

Caregiver Hero is a unique program to recognize VNA Health Group employees who have made a significant impact

on you or someone dear to you through their service. A tax-deductible gift in honor of an employee who provided care for you or a family member helps recognize them in a very special way. By simply sending a personal message of thanks and including a contribution of any amount, the employee recognized will receive a Caregiver Hero lapel pin and keepsake card as a symbol of your recognition. Recipients will be acknowledged by their colleagues during meetings and events, featured on our website, and most importantly, have the opportunity to wear your thanks proudly on their lapel.

You have the option of receiving House Calls by email or mail. Go to VNAhg.org/signup.

176 Riverside AvenueRed Bank, NJ 07701

Hospice Tree of Lights CeremonyMonday, November 24 • 176 Riverside Ave, Red BankIlluminate a light in honor or memory of a loved one at our annual Hospice Tree lighting ceremony.

Gifts support our hospice services, which care for terminally ill patients and their families.

Holiday House TourFriday, December 5 • Two River area of Monmouth CountyTake a tour of private homes in the Two River area of Monmouth County. A holiday boutique will offer gifts, greens and accessories. Proceeds support VNA Health Group's hospice services.

Holiday Dinner Dance Saturday, December 6 • Spring Lake Golf ClubThe 8th annual Holiday Dinner Dance will honor Dr. Vincent R. Zales with dinner and dancing to benefit VNA Health Group's hospice services.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Volunteer Your Time and EnergyVNA Health Group is always looking for volunteers to assist with clerical and administrative tasks, visit patients and families, make comfort calls to bereaved hospice families, help with special events, or work in our Thrift and Consignment Shop in Manasquan, NJ. For more information, please call Pauline DePalma at 732.224.6933.

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATIONHEALTH & HOSPICE

For more information, please visit VNAhg.org/upcoming-events

Volunteering Is a Fun and Satisfying Way to Help VNA Health Group

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