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      • Spinach-Artichoke Dip
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      • Creamy Spinach Feta Dip
      • White Bean Dip
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      • Braised Brisket & Root Vegetables
      • Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
      • Zucchini Lasagna
      • Yogurt-Curry Marinated Chicken Thighs
      • Soba Noodle Stir Fry
      • Winter Vegetable Dal (Red Lentils)
      • Almond-Crusted Pork with Dipping Sauce
      • Broccoli & Goat Cheese Soufflé
      • Baked Tofu
      • Chicken with Snap Peas
      • Grilled Chicken & Vegetables
      • Smoky Barbecue Chicken
      • Spicy 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili
      • Asian Noodles and Chicken
      • Herb-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
      • Chicken and Dumplings
      • Pasta Primavera
      • Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
      • Thyme & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
      • Roast Pork with Apples & Onions
      • Crisp-Crust Chicken Potpie
      • Marinated Chicken Breasts
      • Bourbon Glazed Samon
      • Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
      • Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash
      • Broiled Salmon with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce
      • Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken
      • Almond-Crusted Salmon
    • Salads & Side Dishes >
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      • Sweet Potato Custard
      • Whole-Wheat Irish Soda Bread Rolls
      • Cranberry Orange Sauce
      • Crispy Potato Latkes & Apple Sauce
      • Arugula & Strawberry Salad
      • Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
      • Sweet Potato Tots
      • Lemon Muffins
      • Roasted Brocolli Florets with Citrus
      • Veggie Potato Salad
      • Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
      • Orzo, Feta & Sundried Tomato Salad
      • Grilled Asparagus
      • Cranberry, Almond & Broccoli Salad
      • Sour Cream-Dill Potato Salad
      • Fresh Corn Sauté with Pepper & Onion
      • Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
      • Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
      • Carrot Soufflé
      • Shrimp Avocado Salad
      • Chicken and Strawberry Salad
      • Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Dessert >
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      • Easy Chocolate Mousse
      • Apple Coffee Cake
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      • Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie
      • Ginger Baked Apples
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      • Easy Slice & Bake Sugar Cookies
      • No-Bake Graham Cracker & Peanut Butter Cookies
      • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
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      • No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
      • Light Strawberry Shortcake
      • Baked Pumpkin Pudding
      • No-bake Oatmeal Cocoa Cookies
      • Banana Bread
      • HOLIDAY TREATS
      • Keto Chocolate Truffles
      • Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
      • Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies
      • Red Velvet Cupcakes
      • Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
      • Easy Key Lime Pie
      • Zucchini Bread
      • Berry Lemonade Bars
      • Dark Chocolate Avocado Cake
      • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
    • Miscellaneous Recipes >
      • Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes
      • Cranberry Raisin Oatmeal Bars
      • Oven Baked Kale Chips
      • Vanilla & Almond Popcorn
      • Spiced Pecans
      • Pink Grapefruit and Lemon Summer Aid
      • Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Chips
      • Apple Pie Energy Balls
    • Food Hints >
      • Storing Lemons
      • Storing Avocados
      • Storing Honey
      • 10 Ways to Clean with Lemons
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VNANNJ
1-800-WE VISIT
  • Home
  • Services
    • Home Care FAQs
    • home health aide >
      • Home Health Aid Case study 1
    • joint replacement home care
    • rehabilitation therapy
    • hospice and palliative care >
      • Facts About Hospice
      • Hospice Case Study 2
      • Hospice Case Study 3
    • inpatient hospice
    • medical social work
    • VNA Case Studies
    • specialty services
    • visiting nurses
    • private care >
      • Private Care Case Study 1
      • Private Care Case Study 2
      • Private Care Case Study 3
  • Community
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    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Thank you message form >
      • thank you messages
    • grant funded caregiver support
    • VNANNJ Communications
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    • testimonials
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  • Recipes
    • Breakfast >
      • Tropical Smoothie
      • Green Tea Smoothie
      • Cottage Cheese Omelet
      • Cinnamon French Toast
      • Whole Grain Buttermilk Pancakes
      • Oatmeal with Bananas
      • Overnight Oatmeal
      • Skinny Ham & Cheese Omelet
      • Mixed Berry Acai Smoothie
      • Silly Pancakes
      • Blueberry and Maple-Pecan Granola Parfaits
      • Mushroom Frittata
      • Strawberry Banana Smoothie
      • Savory Ham, Cheese and Chive Scones
      • Feta, Scallion & Asparagus Frittata
      • Waffle Iron Hash Browns
      • Egg White Breakfast Bites
    • Lunch >
      • Chicken Club Wraps
      • Cobb Egg Salad
      • Rotisserie Chicken Salad
      • Roast Beef Wrap
      • Cucumber Sandwich
      • Spinach & Cheese Quiche
    • Soup >
      • Fire-Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
      • Creamy Chilled Avocado Soup
      • Potato-Leek Bisque
      • White Bean Soup
      • Creamy Turnip Soup
      • Sweet Pea Soup
      • Easy & Quick Spicy Gazpacho
      • Mango Coconut Soup
      • Butternut Squash Soup with Pepitas
      • Pumpkin-Apple Soup
      • Carrot Soup with Yogurt
      • Velvety Squash Soup
      • Mushroom Soup with Barley & Thyme
      • Potato Soup
      • Mixed Vegetable & Farro Soup
    • Appetizers >
      • Roasted Red Pepper & Cheese Spread
      • Avocado-Yogurt Dip
      • Spinach-Artichoke Dip
      • Chili-Lime Peanuts
      • Buttermilk Ranch Dip
      • Creamy Spinach Feta Dip
      • White Bean Dip
    • Main Course >
      • Elegant Cheese Souffle
      • Herbed Chicken and Rice
      • Baked Salmon Dijon
      • Barbecued Chicken
      • Stir-Fried Beef & Vegetables
      • Macaroni and Cheese
      • Braised Brisket & Root Vegetables
      • Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
      • Zucchini Lasagna
      • Yogurt-Curry Marinated Chicken Thighs
      • Soba Noodle Stir Fry
      • Winter Vegetable Dal (Red Lentils)
      • Almond-Crusted Pork with Dipping Sauce
      • Broccoli & Goat Cheese Soufflé
      • Baked Tofu
      • Chicken with Snap Peas
      • Grilled Chicken & Vegetables
      • Smoky Barbecue Chicken
      • Spicy 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili
      • Asian Noodles and Chicken
      • Herb-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
      • Chicken and Dumplings
      • Pasta Primavera
      • Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
      • Thyme & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
      • Roast Pork with Apples & Onions
      • Crisp-Crust Chicken Potpie
      • Marinated Chicken Breasts
      • Bourbon Glazed Samon
      • Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
      • Stuffed Baked Acorn Squash
      • Broiled Salmon with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce
      • Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken
      • Almond-Crusted Salmon
    • Salads & Side Dishes >
      • Cool, Creamy Applesauce
      • Sweet Potato Custard
      • Whole-Wheat Irish Soda Bread Rolls
      • Cranberry Orange Sauce
      • Crispy Potato Latkes & Apple Sauce
      • Arugula & Strawberry Salad
      • Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
      • Sweet Potato Tots
      • Lemon Muffins
      • Roasted Brocolli Florets with Citrus
      • Veggie Potato Salad
      • Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
      • Orzo, Feta & Sundried Tomato Salad
      • Grilled Asparagus
      • Cranberry, Almond & Broccoli Salad
      • Sour Cream-Dill Potato Salad
      • Fresh Corn Sauté with Pepper & Onion
      • Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
      • Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
      • Carrot Soufflé
      • Shrimp Avocado Salad
      • Chicken and Strawberry Salad
      • Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Dessert >
      • Airy Gelatin Foam
      • Easy Chocolate Mousse
      • Apple Coffee Cake
      • Chocolate Chip Whole-Grain Blondies with Pecans
      • Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie
      • Ginger Baked Apples
      • HOLIDAY COOKIES
      • Easy Slice & Bake Sugar Cookies
      • No-Bake Graham Cracker & Peanut Butter Cookies
      • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
      • Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries Chocolate Chip Cookies
      • No Bake Mini Cheesecakes
      • Light Strawberry Shortcake
      • Baked Pumpkin Pudding
      • No-bake Oatmeal Cocoa Cookies
      • Banana Bread
      • HOLIDAY TREATS
      • Keto Chocolate Truffles
      • Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
      • Glazed Condensed Milk Cookies
      • Red Velvet Cupcakes
      • Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
      • Easy Key Lime Pie
      • Zucchini Bread
      • Berry Lemonade Bars
      • Dark Chocolate Avocado Cake
      • Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
    • Miscellaneous Recipes >
      • Frozen Fruit Ice Cubes
      • Cranberry Raisin Oatmeal Bars
      • Oven Baked Kale Chips
      • Vanilla & Almond Popcorn
      • Spiced Pecans
      • Pink Grapefruit and Lemon Summer Aid
      • Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Chips
      • Apple Pie Energy Balls
    • Food Hints >
      • Storing Lemons
      • Storing Avocados
      • Storing Honey
      • 10 Ways to Clean with Lemons
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Did You Know? When is caregiving assistance needed

3/7/2023

 
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5 Tests to Assess Aging Issues

Here at Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA), one of the most frequent questions we get from families is, “How do I know when home care is the right choice?” 

In June of 2021, there was an excellent article in AARP by Barbara Stepko, titled How to Assess When an Older Adult Requires Caregiving Assistance. Following is a short recap of the article, but we recommend clicking on the link to read the entire piece.

Often, age-related changes happen gradually. The article suggests these simple tests to help evaluate the ability of someone to safely age in place (at home).

Mobility: Mark a line about 10 feet from a chair. Ask your loved one to stand up from the chair, walk at a normal pace forward to the line, turn, walk back to the chair, and sit down. On average, people who take 12 seconds or more to complete the test are at a high risk of falling, which happens to one in four elderly people. If mobility is an issue, physical therapy by VNA and home safety measures may help to avoid a life-altering fall.

Mental Health: Everyone feels down sometimes, but for the elderly, changes in attitude and behavior may indicate more serious health concerns. Take note of changes in energy level, irritability, anger, difficulty sleeping or staying awake, and loss of appetite. This may be treatable depression. Difficulties with basic activities like cooking, bathing, driving, and managing finances and medications may indicate a more serious problem that requires VNA assistance.

Money Management: Watch for unusual money transactions and stacks of unopened mail and unpaid bills. Helping to manage finances may be all that is needed, but trouble keeping up with money management may indicate a more serious cognitive decline, requiring more proactive home care services.

Driving: The article points out that seniors are outliving their ability to drive safely by an average of seven to 10 years, according to AAA (American Automobile Association). Multiple accidents or tickets, even minor ones, indicate a potentially dangerous situation for your loved one. This may be an early and more obvious indication of a cognitive problem or vision difficulty and time for a medical evaluation.

Changes in Appearance: Has your loved one gained or lost a significant amount of weight? Are they neglecting personal care and cleanliness? These problems may be improved with home care services or may indicate more serious issues like depression and dementia.

The most important thing is to pay attention to your loved ones, note their ability to cope with aging at home, make a care plan, and act early before a fall or health decline seriously impacts their quality of life. Learn more about the services available to you at: VNANNJ.com
​

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the end-of-life care our hospice patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please call 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748) or visit our Donation page.

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? February is American Heart Month

2/7/2023

 
What are you doing for your heart?
Picture
February is American Heart Month, a time when the nation spotlights heart disease as the No. 1 killer of Americans. Heart disease awareness is now even more important due to the potentially harmful impact of the coronavirus on the heart and vascular system.

If you have been following our emails and social media posts, you know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is constantly encouraging our patients and their caregivers to practice the things that can help prevent heart disease. American Heart Month is the perfect time to remind you again that heart disease is preventable. 

Here are 5 things you can do right now for your heart health:

  1. If you smoke, STOP
  2. Maintain a healthy weight
  3. Eat a healthy Mediterranean diet (low to no sugar and healthy fats, like olive oil)
  4. Get at least 2 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity a week (walking is good)
  5. Get regular checkups with your doctor

Many of our patients have heart disease but Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care they require. If you would like to help, please visit our Donation page.

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA), and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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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previous 'did you know' post
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Did you know? Cold, Flu, or COVID?

1/3/2023

 
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Many symptoms of cold, flu, and COVID-19 overlap, including sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, and body aches, while loss of taste and smell, diarrhea, and confusion may be indicators of COVID-19 rather than cold or flu. It’s complicated!

AARP provides helpful information here, including:
  • Keep Home COVID-19 Tests on hand. They are readily available at pharmacies and online.
  • Staying current with your flu vaccine and all available COVID shots and boosters is critical.
  • Note that even If you are fully vaccinated for flu and COVID, you may still become infected, but symptoms will almost always be less severe and you’ll recover more quickly.
And remember, the basics for treating symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID are essentially the same:
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Avoid transmitting infection to others
  • And a bowl of hot chicken soup can’t hurt

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA), and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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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previous 'did you know' post
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Did You Know? Best Holiday Gift is You!

12/6/2022

 
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Whether it's time, distance, or COVID issues, we can’t always visit in person.
The holidays can be a difficult time for loved ones who are homebound and unable to travel or receive visitors. The best gift you can give them is your time and effort to brighten their day. With a little planning, you can make a virtual visit very special and memorable. Here are some ideas on how:
1) Postmark your love
2) Cook up connections
3) Caring with song & music
4) Decorate for any season
5) Listen more carefully than ever before

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA), and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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? You're Needed in Nov.

11/1/2022

 
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November is National Home Care and Hospice Month
Each November the home care and hospice community honors the healthcare workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the need for home care will continue to rise. And even though Medicare pays nearly $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay and home care costs less than $100 a day, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed cuts of $810 million to home care reimbursements. Reducing payments to home health agencies threatens access to this vital care that helps seniors to “age in place” (at home), as they prefer.
​

Click this link to send a message to your congressional representatives.

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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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Do You Have a Plan for Aging in Place?

8/2/2022

 
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According to AARP's November 2021 "Home and Community Preferences" survey,  approximately 81 million seniors, or two-thirds of U.S. adults, want to stay in their homes as they get older, for as long as they are able. This is known as “Aging in Place”.

Do You Have a Plan?
Most people put off planning how to age in place until they have a medical emergency, like a fall or chronic health condition. Clearly, that is not the best time to start planning how to remain in your home for the long haul. We all need to have a plan.

Fortunately, there is a great guide called Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home from the National Institutes of Health. Check it out to learn:
  • How to plan ahead to age in place
  • What support can help me age at home?
  • Common concerns about aging in place
  • Resources to help you age in place
  • How much will it cost to age in place?

​And remember, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey is an important community resource to have on your side in this planning process.

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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.
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Safer Sunscreens for Summer

7/5/2022

 
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There are two basic types of sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and absorb ultraviolet light. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens are called mineral or physical sunscreens because they stay on top of your skin and deflect UVA and UVB rays.

A recent clinical study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency found that some commonly used sunscreen chemicals can seep through your skin and into your bloodstream. The study found that even after a single application, the chemicals remain in your body for an extended period.

The FDA did not say that these chemical ingredients are necessarily harmful to your health but some are under review in the US and are already banned in Europe. Oxybenzone, in particular, has been shown to cause allergic reactions and some studies have linked it to hormone problems, and some cancers. In addition, chemicals that dissolve in water sources like rivers, lakes, and the ocean, can be extremely harmful to aquatic life.

There are safer sunscreen alternatives
For those with sensitive skin, mineral or physical sunscreens cause fewer skin reactions because they don't get absorbed by your skin. Some people don’t like mineral sunscreens because they can leave a white film on your skin, but some brands have new formulas that use tiny micronized particles or skin-tone tints to reduce the appearance of the sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreens are also believed to be a better choice for the environment. But if you do purchase a chemical sunscreen check the ingredients to be sure they don’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate — these are the chemicals most detrimental to marine life (and possibly you).

Why “SPF 30” and “Broad Spectrum” are important
UVA rays form 95% of the UV (ultraviolet) radiation which reaches the earth. UVA rays are the concern in forming some types of skin cancers. ‌UVB rays have a shorter wavelength that can only reach the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of a product’s ability to protect you from the sun’s UVB rays that cause sunburn.

Dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks 97 percent of UVB rays. An SPF of more than 30 isn’t really going to add much more protection. Be sure to look for “broad spectrum” in addition to SPF 30, which is a better indicator that the sunscreen will also help protect you from the UVA rays which cause wrinkles and aging.

Get regular skin checkups
No matter how careful you are about using sunscreen, everyone is at risk for skin cancer and early detection is your best defense. So be sure to schedule a yearly skin check-up with your dermatologist IN ADDITION to daily use of your favorite mineral sunscreen.

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

​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.
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How to Spot Early Signs of Dementia

6/7/2022

 
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In an article published on AARP.com (Patrick J. Kiger, AARP, October 22, 2019) it was reported that from age 50 on, it’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. However, persistent difficulty with memory, cognition, or the ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs that something more serious is happening. If you are concerned about the following persistent symptoms for yourself or a loved one, speak with your doctor and see an expert who can conduct tests and come up with an appropriate diagnosis.

Dementia symptoms to watch for
Dementia isn’t actually a disease but a catch-all term for changes in the brain, including Alzheimer’s, that cause a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life. Here are some of the warning signs identified by dementia experts and mental health organizations:

1. Difficulty with everyday tasks. Everyone makes mistakes, but people with dementia may find it increasingly difficult to do things like keep track of monthly bills or follow a recipe while cooking, the Alzheimer’s Association says.

2. Repetition. Asking a question over and over or telling the same story about a recent event multiple times are common indicators of mild or moderate Alzheimer's, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

3. Communication problems. Observe if a loved one has trouble joining in conversations or following along with them, stops abruptly in the middle of a thought, or struggles to think of words or the name of objects.

4. Getting lost. People with dementia may have difficulty with visual and spatial abilities. That can manifest itself in problems like getting lost while driving, according to the Mayo Clinic.

5. Personality changes. A loved one who begins acting unusually anxious, confused, fearful, or suspicious; becomes upset easily; loses interest in activities, or seems depressed is cause for concern.

6. Confusion about time and place. Loved ones who forget where they are or can’t remember how they got there should raise alarms. Disorientation about time, like routinely forgetting the day of the week, is another sign.

7. Troubling behavior. If your family member seems to have increasingly poor judgment when handling money or neglects grooming and cleanliness, pay attention.

Patrick J. Kiger is a contributing writer for AARP. He has written for a wide variety of publications, including the Los Angeles Times Magazine, GQ, and Mother Jones, as well as the websites of the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. 

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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.
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4 Levels of Hospice Care

5/3/2022

 
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Hospice care has more to offer than ever before.
Today’s hospice care focuses on the quality of life yet to be lived. The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) provides a comprehensive and flexible hospice program that gives patients the opportunity to truly enjoy life alongside family and friends, with the goal of being free of pain and other symptoms they may be suffering.

In fact, the sooner a patient is approved for hospice care after a life-limiting diagnosis, the more they and their loved ones will benefit from the physical, emotional, and spiritual care available to them. Our comprehensive hospice program enables patients to seamlessly transition between four levels of service depending on their own medical, caregiver, and living circumstances.

1. Hospice Home Care
Nothing is more comforting than receiving care at home, in familiar surroundings, and supported by family and friends. The focus of care is as-needed pain and symptom management, rehabilitative therapy, counseling by licensed social workers and chaplains, and assistance with personal hygiene and household tasks.

2. Inpatient Hospice Care
If a patient's caregivers are unable to provide care at home, or symptoms can no longer be managed at home, VNA's Inpatient Hospice provides 24-hour care on a 12-bed unit at Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital. Our hospice team coordinates seamless transfers between an individual’s home and the inpatient unit as needed, with the goal of maximizing comfort and minimizing stress for the patient and their caregivers.

3. Continuous Hospice Care
Round-the-clock nursing during intermittent medical crises is sometimes necessary and can be arranged at home or by transfer to our inpatient unit.
Having all levels of hospice care available through one hospice team provides continuous support for caregivers so they can focus on being present with their loved ones.

4. Respite Hospice Care
Providing ongoing care can be very stressful for caregivers. VNA's services such as intermittent or continuous nursing care, home health aide care, or temporary inpatient care, provide a much-needed break for caregivers to focus on their own needs.

“When it came time for my husband to transition to your hospice, I felt like someone had wrapped me in a security blanket and given me the confidence I needed at a most difficult time.”
– A VNA hospice family member in their own words

Hospice at Home and Inpatient Hospice is arranged by request of the patient, the patient’s physicians, the hospital discharge planner, or the patient’s caregiver(s). Contact the VNA here https://vnannj.org/contact.html or by calling 1-800-WE VISIT (1-800-938-4748

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

​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.
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UTIs can be dangerous for seniors

4/5/2022

 
Here’s what you need to know:
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  • As people get older, UTIs become more prevalent. In fact, it is the second most common infection among older adults in community-living situations. Both men and women can suffer from conditions that make it more difficult for them to empty their bladders effectively, leading to frequent UTIs.
  • UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra causing an infection that can then spread to the bladder and kidneys.
  • Reduced immune systems in older adults are less effective in fighting infections if left untreated, putting elderly people at risk of serious complications, so early detection of a UTI is especially important for this population.
  • Classic symptoms of UTIs are burning pain and frequent urination, but older adults may not complain, so also watch for fever over 100 degrees F and behavioral changes such as confusion.
  • Be aware that UTIs in the elderly are often misunderstood and/or misdiagnosed as senior dementia or Alzheimer’s disease because a UTI can mimic symptoms of such conditions and may be quite pronounced if the patient is already evidencing dementia.
  • The best treatment is prevention. Drink sufficient fluids (avoid alcohol and caffeine). Maintain genital and urinary hygiene to avoid bacterial infection. Change undergarments and incontinence pads frequently. Women should avoid feminine hygiene products. And cranberry juice and probiotics may also help, although studies on both for UTI prevention are inconclusive.

Get to know Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) now, and all the home health services available to you and your loved ones, before you have a health emergency. We are proud to be the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey, so we know a thing or two about helping seniors.

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.
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VNA is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP). VNA accepts Medicare and Medicaid, private insurance and private pay clients. Care is provided to residents with financial hardship through the efforts of its Foundation.
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