VNA Blog
helping to inform the communities we serve CategoriesHistory
February 2025
|
Back to Blog
Random Acts of Kindness and Valentine’s Day — the perfect combination! Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14, and fittingly, Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 14 through 20. What better way to honor the day than with a random act of kindness — a selfless act performed to bring joy to others without expecting anything in return? Here are some thoughts:
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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
American Heart Month is celebrated February 1 - 28 Your heart health is crucial for your overall well-being, yet heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. 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, 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 is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
“Hospice” Means Care, Not Fear1/28/2025 Hospice provides better quality end-of-life care Hospice isn’t a word to fear. It’s not about giving up; it’s about focusing on what matters most—comfort, a patient’s wishes, and loved ones. Hospice care surrounds a patient with a team of experts who bring medical support, emotional care, and peace of mind to them and their family. It’s a compassionate choice for patients and families facing serious illnesses. At its heart, hospice is about enhancing the quality of life, providing comfort, understanding, and communication; and ensuring dignity during what are life’s most meaningful moments for many patients and families. Click here to learn more about hospice care. Are you interested in supporting hospice patients and their families? Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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. © 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.
Back to Blog
Kindness is Contagious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” The news and social media often tend to emphasize controversy and negativity. That’s why we need to recall the importance of selflessness, compassion, and service to others exemplified by leaders like Martin Luther King. This reminds us here at Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) how fortunate we are to be living these values every day as we perform our jobs in home care. Please join us in remembering Dr. King by performing acts of kindness today, and every day. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
You may qualify for free assistance.1/14/2025 Are you caring for an elderly loved one or need help yourself? You may qualify for FREE assistance. 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 caregivers need time to care 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. Additional grant-funded programs for those who are frail, elderly, or disabled and do not have the help of a caregiver are available in Morris and Sussex counties. These services are made possible through grants received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the Morris County and Sussex County Boards of County Commissioners. Eligibility requirements may apply. For more information, go to: VNANNJ.org or call 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748) for more information. There is a Statewide Respite Care program in every county. For more information about the program in your area, please click, Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), or call toll-free at 1-877-222-3737. For other county-based support services for frail, elderly, or disabled residents, contact your local office on aging and disability. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
Your help may have made all the difference! Last month we asked you to please contact your congresspersons to support the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). This was included in the end-of-year package that was presented to Congress. And it worked! The OAA is the backbone of federal aging policy, empowering older adults in our community to enjoy senior center activities, nutrition programs, health education programs, benefits counseling, caregiver support, job training and placement, elder rights protections, and more. But there’s more good news! The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) was also included in the end-of-year funding package. The result will help millions of older adults struggling with Medicare costs. This means that outreach to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries afford their health care costs can continue until the next funding deadline in March. Thank you for supporting government-funded programs for our beloved seniors. We hope you will continue to respond to our calls for support – you make all the difference! 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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 and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
Healthier Mac & Cheese We’re always looking for ways to help our patients and caregivers stay healthy while enjoying home and family. This holiday season, you don't need to give up the mac & cheese everyone enjoys, just lighten it up! You can also substitute chickpea-based pasta for even more protein. Click here for the recipe. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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 and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
Did You Know? Home Care is Under Threat.9/27/2024 That's the headline from this week's story in Home Health Care News. Even though home care and hospice are critical services for families, they are undervalued by many government policymakers who have proposed dire funding cuts. This is a major problem, and we need your help to address it. It only takes a moment to become a virtual advocate for home care and hospice. TAKE ACTION HERE by telling your elected representatives to stop disastrous home health payment cuts! Many other issues are putting home care and hospice services at risk as well. Learn more here. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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 and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
World Suicide Prevention Day Calls Attention to Senior Suicides World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates have risen more than 8 percent since 2021 for those 65+ (men aged 55 to 74 and women aged 55 to 84) with men who are 85+ at most risk. Adults are vulnerable due to many issues, including loneliness, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and decreased self-determination due to old age and disability. We ask you to be aware of these issues and visit Mental Health America to learn the warning signs for suicide and understand more about the mental health services available to seniors through Medicare. 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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 and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
Back to Blog
Download VNA’s Free Guide to Aging at Home Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has been helping seniors “age in place” for more than 125 years. So experience tells us that most seniors wait for a health emergency to make a plan for home care. But there are some basics everyone can do to help make remaining in their home more successful. Download A Guide to Aging at Home now to learn more and check off your progress as you make your own plan to age at home. 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 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 what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home and how to help seniors "age in place" to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes. For help in making a plan for successful aging at home before you have a health emergency visit our Guide to Aging at Home. And visit www.vnannj.org to learn more about our home health care and hospice services. 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 and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset 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.
|