VNA Pandemic Program Supports Vulnerable Clients
Adriane Eoga
Students and other volunteers perform vital phone check-ins
We’ve been helping our elderly, seriously ill and disabled clients throughout Morris, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex Counties cope with the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by arranging for volunteers to check-in by phone. In fact, our new Time to Care volunteer program is attracting many high school and college students, along with entire families.
“Although we’ve have been providing uninterrupted home care and hospice services and upholding the VNA’s long tradition of responding to every major public health concern in this region, we’ve had to temporarily suspend volunteer visitor programs and other in-person activities that provide support for our clients and their primary caregivers. This phone outreach program, conceived by West Morris Central Regional High School student Julia Salamone in response to inquiries about pandemic-related volunteer roles, helps to fill that void,” said Faith Scott, President & Chief Executive Officer of the VNA.
Each volunteer is provided with a list of 50 client names and phone numbers, along with a short introductory script. For each call, the volunteer logs into a VNA database and records the name of the client, date, time and a summary of the discussion. If the patient reports any needs or concerns, the volunteer alerts the VNA staff for follow-up. The program complies with HIPAA privacy standards and all volunteers sign confidentiality agreements.
“This is a great way to volunteer and make a difference without being exposed to COVID-19. It’s been a wonderful experience and we’re providing an important service,” said Adriane Eoga of Boonton, who volunteers along with her daughters, Juliana, who’s enrolled in the Sports Medicine Academy at the Morris County School of Technology, and Jenna, a sophomore in Seton Hall University’s Biology/Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Eoga, who’s employed as a patient liaison for a small medical foundation, is ideally suited for the volunteer role. “The VNA’s clients are happy to receive our calls. Some say they’re doing well and our conversations are very brief. Others are feeling anxious or they’re in need of some type of help, so our conversations are longer,” observed Eoga.
Overall, Time to Care is working as the VNA had hoped and it’s helped the agency to identify clients who need assistance getting food, medications and other medical supplies, as well as several who needed bereavement support due to the recent loss of a family member or friend.
To learn more about Time to Care and other volunteer roles at the VNA, contact Rachel Enderle, Volunteer Coordinator, (973) 451-4128, renderle@vnannj.org.
We’ve been helping our elderly, seriously ill and disabled clients throughout Morris, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex Counties cope with the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic by arranging for volunteers to check-in by phone. In fact, our new Time to Care volunteer program is attracting many high school and college students, along with entire families.
“Although we’ve have been providing uninterrupted home care and hospice services and upholding the VNA’s long tradition of responding to every major public health concern in this region, we’ve had to temporarily suspend volunteer visitor programs and other in-person activities that provide support for our clients and their primary caregivers. This phone outreach program, conceived by West Morris Central Regional High School student Julia Salamone in response to inquiries about pandemic-related volunteer roles, helps to fill that void,” said Faith Scott, President & Chief Executive Officer of the VNA.
Each volunteer is provided with a list of 50 client names and phone numbers, along with a short introductory script. For each call, the volunteer logs into a VNA database and records the name of the client, date, time and a summary of the discussion. If the patient reports any needs or concerns, the volunteer alerts the VNA staff for follow-up. The program complies with HIPAA privacy standards and all volunteers sign confidentiality agreements.
“This is a great way to volunteer and make a difference without being exposed to COVID-19. It’s been a wonderful experience and we’re providing an important service,” said Adriane Eoga of Boonton, who volunteers along with her daughters, Juliana, who’s enrolled in the Sports Medicine Academy at the Morris County School of Technology, and Jenna, a sophomore in Seton Hall University’s Biology/Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
Eoga, who’s employed as a patient liaison for a small medical foundation, is ideally suited for the volunteer role. “The VNA’s clients are happy to receive our calls. Some say they’re doing well and our conversations are very brief. Others are feeling anxious or they’re in need of some type of help, so our conversations are longer,” observed Eoga.
Overall, Time to Care is working as the VNA had hoped and it’s helped the agency to identify clients who need assistance getting food, medications and other medical supplies, as well as several who needed bereavement support due to the recent loss of a family member or friend.
To learn more about Time to Care and other volunteer roles at the VNA, contact Rachel Enderle, Volunteer Coordinator, (973) 451-4128, renderle@vnannj.org.
