VNANNJ Communications
helping to inform the communities we serve CategoriesHistory
July 2024
|
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.
Back to Blog
Most Americans over age 50 prefer to age in their own home. Home is the familiar space filled with memories and stories and where family and friends gather. With your help, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is making aging at home possible with a smile at the door, a calming presence, and a healing hand. For more than 125 years our most vulnerable residents and their families have turned to VNANNJ for home health care and hospice. Our comprehensive services allow patients to reduce hospital stays and avoid institutionalization. Nurses, therapists, dieticians, social workers, and home health aides provide the care and support that an individual needs to achieve their goal of aging in their own home. We don’t just help the patient either. We support the devoted caregiver who is giving so much to assist their loved one day in and day out. We provide them with respites so they can tend to their own needs, educate them so that they can give the best support possible, and we provide volunteers to help when needed. Together, we can work to guarantee that these vital services will be available to all who are frail, elderly, and in need of care. It’s who we are as a community. It’s who we’ve always been. It’s who we will continue to be. Please consider donating to help patients remain in the comfort of their homes. Thank you for your partnership in making it all happen. To make your contribution or learn more, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call our VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148. The impact of VNANNJ’s work is beautifully summed up by the family of a recent hospice patient -- “[Our nurse] is amazing. She cares not only for her patients but also for the patient’s family. She is a blessing and has a gift for the role of a hospice nurse. Her professional level of care is outstanding. She always took the time to make sure my mom was changed, clean, and comfortable before she would leave. She not only cared for my mom; she cared for me. A call, a text, a hug, I knew she was there for me.” Actual VNA patient and family caregiver comments received via unsolicited correspondence. 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, 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.
Back to Blog
What Dad Really Wants for Father’s Day6/11/2024 Nothing beats a message of true appreciation Most dads will long remember a heartfelt letter or video message of appreciation, so this is a great gift for any dad — from new dads to grandpas. Here’s why:
We wish you all a Happy Father’s 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. 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
As people age, so do their kidneys. The kidneys help make red blood cells and filter out waste products, excess water, and certain chemicals from your blood, so kidney function is critical for good health. Unfortunately, kidney disease is more prevalent in those with other health conditions, which makes the elderly more susceptible. Also, since kidney disease often develops slowly over time and with few symptoms, many people are not diagnosed until it is quite advanced. That’s why the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) recommends annual screening with simple urine and blood tests. There are ways to lessen the risk of kidney disease, including:
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 healthy aging, how to successfully “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. Did you 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 the 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
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas4/30/2024 Heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts are best Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has been helping families care for their mothers since 1898 so we know mothers often appreciate words of appreciation more than anything. This Mother’s Day, you can take the standard route of flowers, candy, and brunch, but you might want to consider the following ideas. Memory Jar – Decorate a jar and fill it with handwritten notes from family members sharing their favorite memories with your mother. It's a heartfelt gift she can cherish and re-read for years to come. Letters – A Mother’s Day card is nice but including a long, heartfelt letter is much better. Letters are rarely sent today, which makes it even more special. You might also coordinate with siblings and grandchildren to deliver letters from everyone. An Immersive Experience – If your mother is adventurous, consider gifting her a virtual reality headset along with some immersive VR experiences, such as virtual travel apps of places that have special meaning for her. Throw a Mother's Day Party – Parties aren't just for birthdays. And we have just the thing to kick it off... May is National Nurses Appreciation Month as well as Mother’s Day on May 12. On Thursday, May 9, VNA is holding a Celebration of Life event to honor nurses and the lives of those we have served. During the event, there will be a raffle for a fabulous YETI® brand cooler overflowing with a selection of premium bubbly, bourbons, brews, wines, and more! Total value is over $1,000. Raffle tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at bidpal.net/vnacol2024. The winner need not be present to win. Proceeds from the Celebration of Life event benefit the VNA Foundation and provide critical funding for VNA’s programs and services. 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 helping Moms “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, and Warren 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
We encourage you to help spread awareness about the following alcohol-related issues for older adults. Addressing alcohol use among seniors requires a holistic approach that considers their unique needs and circumstances. Seniors may have increased sensitivity to alcohol's effects, even at lower levels of consumption. As individuals age, their bodies metabolize alcohol differently. Seniors typically experience a decrease in body water content, reduced liver function, and changes in the absorption rate of alcohol. Mixing alcohol with certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs can amplify side effects. Many seniors take multiple medications to manage chronic conditions, and alcohol can interact adversely with these medications. Older adults are more susceptible to the negative health consequences of alcohol use. Chronic alcohol consumption can exacerbate age-related health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, and cognitive decline. It can also weaken the immune system, making seniors more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Alcohol use can impair balance, coordination, and cognitive function, increasing the risk of falls and injuries among seniors. Falls are a leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and mortality in older adults, and alcohol consumption can further heighten this risk, leading to fractures, head injuries, and other serious consequences. Seniors may be at risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to depression and alcohol misuse. Retirement, loss of friends or loved ones, and limited mobility can all contribute to feelings of loneliness, prompting some seniors to turn to alcohol for comfort or companionship. They may also have limited transportation, fixed incomes, and a lack of awareness about available resources to seek help for alcohol-related concerns. Click here for more information about the effects of alcohol on an aging population. 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, 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.
Back to Blog
National Volunteers Week was established in 1974 to highlight the benefits of volunteering, and encourage others to volunteer. Some call it “Paying it forward,” but no matter how we do it, helping others is proven to benefit the volunteer as well as the recipient. Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, increase your socialization, and keep you mentally stimulated. While volunteering is good for all ages, it provides profound benefits for seniors. Nothing relieves stress better than connecting with other people. Researchers have discovered that the more we give, the happier we feel. And studies have shown that older volunteers walk more, cope with tasks more easily, have better thinking skills, have lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) offers the following volunteer opportunities: Time to Care: Your voice is needed. Make calls to those in your community who are ill or disabled, confined to home, and in need of a comforting voice. House Calls For Groceries: Volunteers provide shopping assistance to homebound residents. This rewarding activity is ideal for active adults, students, families, and community groups. Hospice Volunteering: Volunteering to deliver comfort and companionship to patients and their families can be extremely rewarding. Donate: Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the needs of patients and caregivers. There are many ways to help. For more information please visit our donation page vnannj.org/donate or call the VNA Foundation at: 973-451-4148. Friendly Visitors: This important opportunity matches volunteers with a VNA client to visit on a flexible schedule, providing socialization that is a much-needed break from the isolation that often comes from living alone. Juniors Helping Seniors: Similar to “Friendly Visitors” but specially geared to high school students, this program provides a safe and rewarding volunteer opportunity in Morris County that is ideal for gaining life lessons, improving communication skills, and fulfilling volunteer activities for college applications (the consensus of college recruiters is that the ideal number of volunteer hours for an admission application is between 50 and 200). 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. 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.
Back to Blog
Hospice Care is Comfort Care3/26/2024 Hospice provides better quality end-of-life care Hospice is a difficult word for many, but as families learn more, they come to realize the true benefits of this form of care. In fact, studies have shown people live longer, and with better quality of life, when they start hospice care sooner. However, not all hospice programs are the same. We encourage you to learn more about the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) hospice program, which is provided in the comfort of the patient’s home, surrounded by their loved ones, or in a care facility if needed. 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.
Back to Blog
Because caregivers need care too. Are you caring for an elderly loved one? You may qualify for FREE respite care assistance. Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is pleased to offer an array of caregiver support programs, including free respite care funded by The Statewide Respite Care Program (SRCP) to those who qualify. VNA administers SRCP in Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Passaic counties through grants received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. Go to: Grant-Funded Caregiver Support Programs 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.
|