• 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
    • aging in place
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Thank you message form >
      • thank you messages
    • grant funded caregiver support
    • VNANNJ Communications
    • 5 Ways to Share
    • volunteers
    • testimonials
    • community health education
    • About VNA+
    • patient referrals
    • annual gala
    • Memorials
    • publications
    • flu-education-facts
    • Avoid Fall Hazards
    • Technology & Aging at Home
  • Payments
  • Contact
  • Time to Care - Sign-up Form
  • sign-up
  • Insurance
  • Donate
  • Careers
  • VNA NEWS
  • 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
    • 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
  • Member Log In Only
  • about VNA
  • 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
    • aging in place
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Thank you message form >
      • thank you messages
    • grant funded caregiver support
    • VNANNJ Communications
    • 5 Ways to Share
    • volunteers
    • testimonials
    • community health education
    • About VNA+
    • patient referrals
    • annual gala
    • Memorials
    • publications
    • flu-education-facts
    • Avoid Fall Hazards
    • Technology & Aging at Home
  • Payments
  • Contact
  • Time to Care - Sign-up Form
  • sign-up
  • Insurance
  • Donate
  • Careers
  • VNA NEWS
  • 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
    • 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
  • Member Log In Only
  • about VNA
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
    • aging in place
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Thank you message form >
      • thank you messages
    • grant funded caregiver support
    • VNANNJ Communications
    • 5 Ways to Share
    • volunteers
    • testimonials
    • community health education
    • About VNA+
    • patient referrals
    • annual gala
    • Memorials
    • publications
    • flu-education-facts
    • Avoid Fall Hazards
    • Technology & Aging at Home
  • Payments
  • Contact
  • Time to Care - Sign-up Form
  • sign-up
  • Insurance
  • Donate
  • Careers
  • VNA NEWS
  • 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
    • 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
  • Member Log In Only
  • about VNA

Hospice Nurse Touches Lives of Entire Family

When Suzanne P., RN, BSN, first arrived at the home of the late Anthony Rafanello, 96, his son Ron was taken aback and even a bit concerned by her youthful appearance. However, she quickly impressed him and the entire Rafanello family with her wealth of helpful information and caring spirit.

“Suzanne is such a special person. I wanted my father to have a peaceful passing and she made that possible,” he said recently. “She educated us in how to care for him and keep him comfortable. She also helped us prepare for what was to come. I can’t say enough about how wonderful and talented Suzanne is or how grateful we are for the VNA Hospice.”

Like others faced with the difficult, emotional process of attending to a loved one in the final phase of life, some members of Ron’s family, including his mother, had reservations about seeking hospice assistance. However, the positive experiences of friends and the VNA’s excellent reputation had Ron convinced that his father would benefit from hospice care.

“The VNA Hospice exceeded my expectations,” Rafanello said. “Even after my father’s death, Suzanne and others from the VNA reached out to comfort my mother on the loss of her beloved partner of 75 years. The concern for my family was genuine and heartfelt.” Hospice is indeed more than a job for Suzanne P., who was recently promoted to the position of manager. It’s her passion. “I decided to become a nurse while I was still a child,” she said. “I worked in a hospital for two years after nursing school, but it wasn’t until I began working at the VNA Hospice that I truly found my calling.”

The VNA Hospice helps individuals spend their final days in the comfort and dignity of their own homes surrounded by loved ones by supporting the practical and emotional needs of the entire family. Hospice nurses provide a broad range of services including pain and symptom management in consultation with each patient’s personal physician. They also arrange for and coordinate the assistance of other VNA team members including certified home health aides, rehabilitation therapists, social workers and hospice volunteers and train family members in essential caregiving skills.

Each patient and their family has different needs and VNA services vary accordingly, but all receive the comfort and compassion that have been hallmarks of the VNA Hospice since its inception. In fact, in an independent survey, 100% of all families who received VNA Hospice services in the past year said that they would recommend the program to others.
Picture
Ron Rafanello, pictured here with Suzanne P., RN, BSN, Hospice Manager, and his mother, Nancy, reached out to the VNA Hospice when his father, Anthony, who had been active and self-sufficient well into his 90s, began a decline that ultimately led to his death The Rafanello family quickly came to rely on Suzanne and other VNA team members including certified VNA home health aides Suzy P., Ana Rosa C. and Carlos R.
Picture
Picture
Home

Donate

​Payments
​

​Contact
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.
Spanish Language
Polish Language
French-Creole
Chinese Language
Italian Language
Hindi Language
Korean Language
Arabic Language
Vietnamese Language
Portuguese Language
Tagalog Language
French Language
Gujarti Language
Russian Language
Urdu Language
1-800-WE VISIT
©2023 VNANNJ. All Rights Reserved.   |   175 South Street | Morristown, NJ 07960
Privacy Policy   |   Patient Rights