|
|
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.
Back to Blog
 Is a no-bake, low-fat, low-calorie cheesecake too good to be true? This quick-and-easy cheesecake is the perfect summer substitute for heavy cakes and pies. Since it is both low-fat and low-calorie, it takes the guilt out of indulging in dessert, making this recipe one of our favorites! Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is a great resource for more than the best quality home health care in Northern New Jersey, including great recipes, health care tips, home care advice, and much, much more. Makes 12 servings. Ingredients 7 graham cracker sheets ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 2 Tbsp. sugar 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 8 oz. fat free Cool Whip 1 (8 oz.) package fat-free cream cheese ¼ cup sugar (or 6 Splenda packets) 2 tsp. vanilla extract Fresh fruit of choice: raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple etc. Directions
Nutritional info per serving Calories: 106 Total Carbs: 4g Dietary Fiber: 12g  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
 Let’s honor our seniors all month, and everyday National Senior Citizens Day is observed on August 21st to recognize our seniors. As the longest-serving Visiting Nurse Association in the state of New Jersey (founded in 1898), we know about caring for our seniors and how much better they thrive when we honor their contributions and achievements. Let’s all take some time throughout August (and every day) to do the following:
By doing some or all of the above, you may be surprised to find what an amazing difference you can make in the life of a senior citizen, whether they are a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, or a complete stranger.  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
 Summer requires more care than ever.Older adults tend to experience more falls during the summer months compared to other times of the year. There are many reasons why this happens:
 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 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
Why Using Sunscreen Never Gets Old7/23/2024  The sun never quits, neither should you Seniors should continue using sunscreen as they age, just as they did when they were younger. In fact, sunscreen is now even more crucial for protecting thinning skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which includes an increased risk of skin cancer. Here are some key points to consider regarding seniors and sunscreen:
Sunscreen remains an essential part of sun protection for older adults. By continuing to use sunscreen and adopting other sun-safe practices, seniors can help maintain the health and appearance of their skin while reducing their risk of skin cancer.  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 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
 Seniors especially should be aware of hyperthermiaHyperthermia is an elevated body temperature that can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Hyperthermia can include heat stroke, heat edema (swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot), heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. By being aware of the dangers and symptoms of hyperthermia, seniors can take proactive measures to protect themselves during hot weather and know how to respond effectively if symptoms occur. Here are some key points: 1) Types of Hyperthermia — There are different forms of hyperthermia that seniors should be aware of:
2) Increased Susceptibility -- Seniors are prone to hyperthermia due to age-related changes that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. Chronic medical conditions and certain medications can further increase this susceptibility. 3) Recognizing Symptoms -- It's crucial for seniors and those around them to recognize the early signs of heat-related illnesses, such as excessive sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, and nausea. Prompt attention to these symptoms can prevent more severe complications. 4) Risk Factors — Factors that increase the risk of hyperthermia in seniors include:
5) Preventive Measures — Seniors can take several steps to prevent hyperthermia:
6) Emergency Response — If someone suspects that a senior is experiencing heat stroke (high body temperature, altered mental state, rapid pulse, possibly unconsciousness), it is essential to call emergency services immediately and take steps to cool the person down by moving them to a cooler place and applying cool cloths.  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
 Travel for seniors requires special planningWith summer vacations underway, traveling with senior adults requires careful planning and consideration to ensure their comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Here are some tips to help create a smoother experience: 1) Plan Ahead:
By following these tips and being mindful of the specific needs and preferences of senior adults, you can help ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.  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 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
 Hydration is even more important than you think. Multiple studies have shown that 75% of adults in the U.S. suffer from chronic dehydration. And adults over 65 may only have around 60% of their body mass as water, compared to 72% in younger adults, which can make older adults even more susceptible to dehydration. It’s no wonder that dehydration is a frequent cause of hospital admission for older adults. Staying sufficiently hydrated is important for many reasons, including some you may not realize. For instance:
Staying hydrated can be as easy as 1-2-3:
 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 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.
|
