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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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What are you doing for your heart?  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:
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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Did you know? Cold, Flu, or COVID?1/3/2023  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:
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? Best Holiday Gift is You!12/6/2022  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: 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  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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 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:
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 Summer7/5/2022  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 Dementia6/7/2022  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 Care5/3/2022  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 seniors4/5/2022 Here’s what you need to know: 
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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