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April 2024
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Download VNA’s “A Guide to Aging at Home” now to learn more. 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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. Download A Guide to Aging at Home now. Use this handy reference to learn more and check off your progress as you make your plan to age at home well before you have a health emergency. We also suggest that you learn more about VNA’s home health care services here so you are prepared for when you, or a loved one, may need assistance. Did you also know that 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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Why you should care about American Heart Month Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Your heart health is crucial for your overall well-being. Learning about heart-healthy habits and lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. By raising awareness about heart health, American Heart Month helps to educate people about the risk factors and ways to prevent heart disease. It's a reminder to pay attention to your nutrition, exercise, stress management, and early detection of heart problems. Being informed empowers you to make healthier choices and take control of your cardiovascular health. A healthy heart is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. By caring about your heart health and participating in American Heart Month activities, you can improve your chances of living a longer, more active, and fulfilling life. For a wealth of information about heart health, visit https://www.heart.org. 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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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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Free Respite Care may be available to qualified caregivers.
Did you know that someone is looking after another adult in one of every four U.S. households? Caregiving is a labor of love but even the most devoted individuals need time for themselves.
The Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP) provides free respite care to those who qualify. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) administers SRCP in Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex counties through grants received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. Go to VNANNJ.org or call 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748) for more information.
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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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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Join, or refer someone to join, our Respite Care Team
Did you know that someone is looking after another adult in one of every four U.S. households? Caregiving is a labor of love but even the most loving and devoted caregiver needs time to care for themselves.
To ease the burden, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) offers an array of free caregiver support services including the Statewide Respite Care program (SRCP) in Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex counties through grants received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. We’re currently looking for Certified Home Health Aides to help provide caregivers with the respite they desperately need. Help make a difference by joining our team or simply sharing this information with a healthcare professional. Go to VNANNJ.org or call 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748) for more information.
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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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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Did You Know? 5 Inflation Fighting Tips10/4/2023 Little Changes Add Up to Big Savings 1. Just about everyone has some monthly spending they can reduce: Whether dining out less frequently, canceling unused subscriptions, making coffee at home, or finding more cost-effective entertainment options. Little expenditures add up. 2. Not everyone is a savings expert: Start taking advantage of coupons, promotional codes, and loyalty programs when shopping for groceries, clothing, and other goods. Compare prices and seek out deals to get the best value for your money. Purchasing items in bulk can often lead to lower per-unit costs, especially for non-perishable goods. Just be sure to buy items you regularly use to avoid waste. 3. Wasted energy is a big expense: Seal drafts, upgrade insulation, switch to energy-efficient appliances, and adjust thermostat settings to save on heating and cooling costs. 4. Transportation is a big one but hard for many people to accept: Reducing your reliance on a personal vehicle can help you save on fuel, maintenance, and parking expenses. Consider alternative transportation options including carpooling, free or low-cost public transportation, or walking whenever possible (which is great for health). 5. Education is profitable entertainment: Continuously improving your skills and knowledge might give you ways to create new part-time income streams. Online or in-person courses and seminars often also replace more expensive pastimes like dining out. Understanding how to make informed financial decisions can help you navigate inflationary periods more effectively. These lifestyle tips can help you manage your expenses better and make your money go further in the face of inflation. Finding ways to save on everyday expenses, you can reduce the impact of rising prices on your overall financial well-being. 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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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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Why Strength Training Is Key to a Long Life The article 7 Reasons Why Strength Training Is Key to a Long Life, by Stephen Perrine with Heidi Skolnik (AARP, May 13, 2022) suggests that “In just one hour a week, you can change your health and increase your longevity.” This article presents good evidence that the secret to staying strong and vital for life is in your muscles. Physical exercise is something we stress over and over as being beneficial for seniors, especially for the health of muscles, bones, the cardiovascular system, and the brain. Following are highlights from the article, or click here to read the full piece.
If you haven’t started already, it’s time to make your muscles a top priority. Make sure you’re getting 25 to 30 grams of protein at every meal, and talk to your doctor about starting a muscle-building fitness program. 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 healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. 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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Heat stroke is especially dangerous for the elderly – know these signs Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has been treating patients in their homes since 1898 – well before the invention of air conditioning. Even today many of our patients don’t have reliable air conditioning in their homes and we know that heat stroke is a very real danger, especially for the elderly. Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that requires immediate medical attention. Please be aware of these signs and symptoms of heat stroke for yourself or a loved one you care for:
Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person to a cooler environment, remove excess clothing, and try to cool them down by applying cool water or wet towels to the body and fanning them. Do not give them fluids to drink if they are unconscious. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and potential organ damage associated with heat stroke. 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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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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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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It might be time for a bone density test Too often, osteoporosis only becomes obvious due to severe pain or a broken bone. Perhaps that’s why osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease”. But there are some signs that indicate it’s time to see your physician for a bone density test, including losing height, chronic back and neck pain, stooped posture, brittle nails, dental issues including bone loss, loss of grip strength, and balance issues. Know your risks There is some good news – by recognizing your risk for osteoporosis you can delay or manage the effects of the disease.
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. |