VNA Blog
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February 2025
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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