VNA Care clinicians "a light in a very dark tunnel" for family after stroke
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VNA Care Network
VNA of Boston
VNA Hospice & Palliative Care
Winter 2022
VNA Care clinicians “a light in a very dark tunnel” for family after stroke
There were no signs of the brain tumor in helping him meet his goal. He was Scott said, “It felt very good. I was
that caused Scott Granados to have eventually able to roll over and sit finally hopeful again.”
a stroke nearly one year ago. He was himself up on the side of the bed. They
Gail added, “They made a huge, huge
left bedbound and spent months in got creative in turning his home into a
difference. …To come home and have
rehabilitation facilities without making gym. A can of clam chowder made a
somebody jump right in and make
any progress in regaining his strength great hand weight, and a half wall was
progress was life-changing.”
and mobility. used in place of a parallel bar.
VNA Care is committed to helping
Scott, who has no sight, wanted to Gail said, “Every time he did
individuals who have experienced
return to the comfort and familiar something new, it was a very positive
a stroke achieve their best possible
surroundings of his own home. day and a very thankful day.”
health and remain independent in the
With the support of his parents, Gail
The family received support from community. The organization is part of
Evans and Archie Granados, and the
numerous clinicians during the the Paul Coverdell Post-Acute Quality
home health care team at VNA Care,
months Scott received care at home. Improvement Collaborative at the
Scott made the transition from a
Shannan Martins, LICSW, social Massachusetts Department of Public
rehabilitation facility to home.
work manager, helped Scott access Health.
Danielle Salmonsen, PT, and Jennifer disability benefits and other resources
Kenary, OT, were part of the team that to support him during this challenging
was determined to help Scott achieve time. Carley LaKritz, RN, worked with
his goal of getting out of bed and into Scott’s primary care physician on a
a wheelchair. medication schedule, assessed his
vital signs, and monitored his overall
“They were a light in a very dark
health.
tunnel,” remembered Gail.
While still receiving home-based
Danielle and Jennifer started Scott on
health services from VNA Care, Scott
exercises that could be done in bed to
learned he would have to return to the
improve his strength. They provided
hospital to have a kidney removed due
support to Scott’s parents, made
to cancer. After his successful surgery
suggestions for medical equipment,
and a brief stay at a rehabilitation
and taught them how to use a lift
facility, VNA Care’s home health team
to move Scott from his bed to a
once again helped him return home to
wheelchair.
heal and improve his strength.
Scott tried to get the most out of every
Scott reached a major milestone in
visit. “They turned the whole thing
his recovery during the fall; he stood
around for us,” he said.
and took a few steps with Danielle and
Scott Granados worked with Jennifer Kenary,
As Scott made progress, Danielle and Jennifer. OT, (left) and Danielle Salmonsen, PT, (right) to
Jennifer would focus on the next step regain his strength after a debilitating stroke.
Families and friends Step Out for Hospice at 24th annual walk and run
Event Sponsor
Dello Russo Family
Funeral Homes
Platinum Sponsors
Carlos Lopes (far right) was among the top runners in the five-mile road race. His family was on hand
to help him celebrate.
Gold Sponsors The Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care hosted the 24th annual
Cambridge Savings Bank Step Out for Hospice 3-mile walk, 5-mile road race, and children’s fun run
The Coakley Family outside the Irish American Club of Woburn. They were joined virtually by many
Diesel Direct
more walkers and runners in support of end-of-life care.
Jamieson Management Co., Inc.
J. Mulkerin Realty Guests enjoyed live music by The Offramps, silent auction, raffle, and
Kirk & Kirk, CPA’s PC refreshments. The benefit was presented in partnership with the Irish American
Kiwanis Club of Woburn Club of Woburn and the Shamrock Running Club.
Doris T. Lynch†
Marietta E. Lynch Our sincere appreciation to the many individuals, businesses, and foundations
Kevin P. Mooney, D.D.S. that made charitable gifts in support of Step Out for Hospice.
Northern Bank
S.G. Torrice Co. Inc.
Salem Five
StateServ and Hospicelink
White Builders
Winchester Co-operative Bank
Winchester Oral Surgery
Woburn Host Lions Club
Silver Sponsors
Arlmont Fuel
The Bill Collins Foundation
Costello Funeral Home
Emmett Electrical Services
G.W. Gately, Inc.
George’s Auto Body of Woburn
Heimlich Landscaping & Construction The Jamieson Family walked in memory of Susan Jamieson, a longtime member of the Woburn
Lawton Real Estate Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. Her son, Paul, (far left) volunteers for the Friends and the
family’s business, Jamieson Management Co., Inc., is a Gold Sponsor of Step Out for Hospice.
Lohrman HVAC
Seaver Construction, Inc.
Sonet Electrical Systems Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care
StonehamBank Helen Barry Paul Jamieson Connie McGilvray
Robert D. Brown Brian Kelley Joanne O’Brien
Save the Date: Rita H. Doherty Jamie Kelley Diane Sawyer
Our 25th annual Step Out for Hospice Jill Foley Ed Maguire Susan Stander
will be October 2, 2022! Robin Foley Giardina Joseph McDonough, Jr. Carole Torrice
State Rep. Richard Haggerty Barbara McElhiney Tracey White
2
Needham Area Community Cabinet hosts 8th
annual benefit for home health and hospice
The Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s stunning Gardens at Elm Bank served
as the backdrop for Evening Under the Stars, a beautiful night with friends, fine
wine, and great food.
Guests heard moving accounts of VNA Care’s work during the pandemic from
Todd Rose, president and CEO; Sharon Heard, hospice clinical manager; and
Gina Grady, RN.
Sharon has been part of VNA Care’s hospice program for more than 25 years.
From left: Louise Condon, sponsor, with her
She shared, “For every patient and family, the journey is different and uniquely fellow Needham Area Community Cabinet
personal. But the goal is the same — bringing hope, comfort, and compassionate members Mary Lou Hughes and Kathy Whitney.
care to those with life-limiting illness and support and assistance to their family.”
Carol Jones, RN, BSN, CWOCN, WOC team leader, gave an inside look at the
Fill the Nursing Bag initiative, which enables clinicians to give the very best care
to patients in need from the very first visit. Ellison Patten and Louise Condon
served as co-chairs of this special fund the need.
Thank you to our sponsors whose generous support is helping VNA Care
patients to live life to the fullest with the support of home health and hospice
services.
Presenting Sponsor Inspired Leader
Kerrie and Ellison Patten, members of the
Needham Area Community Cabinet, represented
Lincoln Property Company, an Advocate Sponsor.
Changemakers
Advocates
Frank and Louise Condon
Gail and Tony Nannini Family
Joyce and James Patten, MD
Laura Wise, manager of fund development for
VNA Care, and Christopher Teachout of Dedham
Savings, a Changemaker Sponsor.
Caregiver
Representative Denise C. Garlick
Needham Area Community Cabinet
Louise Condon Ellison Patten Laura Wise
From left: VNA Care hospice team members
Mary Lou Hughes Kerrie Patten Kathy Whitney
Krysia Burnham, chaplain; Kerrie Hagan, RN;
Gail Nannini Stephanie Perkins Gina Grady, RN; and Sharon Heard, RN, hospice
Harding Ounanian, Jr. Laurel St. Pierre clinical manager.
3
Volunteer gives back the love, care given to her sister by hospice team
Debbie Bisson doesn’t think of the Each volunteer shift is different. was no longer able to communicate,
Rose Monahan Hospice Home as Debbie pitches in wherever she’s Debbie sat at his bedside, held his
simply the place where she volunteers. most needed, whether that’s helping hand, and provided reassurance as the
in the kitchen, doing laundry, or music he cherished filled the room.
“It’s my family away from family,” she
taking on other household chores
said. “The final part of their life, I get to
to support staff and keep things
be a part of it. That’s an honor and
running smoothly. Her favorite part of
a privilege,” said Debbie. She loves
volunteering, though, is spending time
her time with staff and patients at the
with patients.
Monahan Home so much that she’ll
Debbie likes to meet patients “where soon be taking on additional volunteer
they’re at. I could get someone who shifts.
is very social, and we’ll chat. …There
Debbie shared that the Monahan
could be people coming in who are
Home is “truly a beautiful place, and
nonverbal. To me, it’s letting them
it’s authentic with the love and care
know that they’re not alone, that I’m
that they (patients) all get.”
there sitting with them and giving
them that peace that they aren’t by She added, “I don’t think people
Debbie Bisson, hospice volunteer, feels honored
and privileged to spend time with individuals themselves.” realize all that I’m getting (from
during their end-of-life journey. volunteering). …Everyone thinks of
Building meaningful connections
it as you’re giving up your time and
Her connection to the residence with patients during their time at
they don’t pay you. What I’m getting in
began many years ago when her the residence is what is important to
return, money can’t even compare. …I
sister received end-of-life care at the Debbie. One patient was very quiet
just love this home.”
homelike residence that overlooks and tended to keep to himself. Debbie
Worcester’s Coes Pond. noticed some fishing mementos in his For more information
room and struck up a conversation. Learn more about becoming a hospice
“I saw the care and the love that was
It wasn’t long before the patient was volunteer at vnacare.org/volunteers
given to her, and I wanted to return
giving Debbie fly fishing lessons as he or call Volunteer Services at 774-502-
that back,” Debbie said. Four years
sat in bed. 5780. For more information about
ago, she completed VNA Care’s
hospice care and the Rose Monahan
hospice volunteer training program Debbie discovered a shared love of
Hospice Home, call 800-521-5539 or
and started a weekly shift at the classical music during her visits with
visit vnacare.org/hospice.
Monahan Home. another patient. When the patient
Seven ways to help maintain your brain health through healthy lifestyles
Studies show that healthy behaviors, and other smoking-related illnesses. 5. Get enough sleep. A third of
which can prevent some kinds of Free quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW American adults report that they
cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart (1-800-784-8669) usually get less sleep than the
disease may also reduce your risk for 2. Maintain a healthy blood pressure recommended amount. How much
cognitive decline. Although age, level. Tens of millions of American sleep do you need? It depends on
genetics, and family history can’t be adults have high blood pressure, your age. Older adults need about
changed, the Lancet Commission on and many do not have it under 7 to 9 hours each night.
Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and control. 6. Stay engaged. There are many
Care suggests that addressing risk 3. Be physically active. CDC studies ways for older adults to get
factors may prevent or delay up to show physical activity can improve involved in their community. See
40% of dementia cases. thinking, reduce risk of depression article above about volunteering.
and anxiety, and help you sleep 7. Manage blood sugar. Learn how to
Here’s what you can do: better. manage your blood sugar,
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Healthy especially if you have diabetes.
1. Quit smoking. Quitting smoking weight isn’t about short-term di-
now may help maintain brain etary changes. Instead, it’s about a This article, courtesy of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, is intended for
health and can reduce your risk of lifestyle that includes healthy educational purposes only. For medical advice,
heart disease, cancer, lung disease, eating and regular physical activity. please contact your health care provider.
4
Celebration of Caring raises critical support for
patient care and Rose Monahan Home
If you want to know why the community has relied on VNA Care for over a
century, you don’t need to go any further than YouTube.
“They provide care and they provide caring. That’s the most important part to
think about,” shared Linda Haddad, longtime board member and donor, in the
Worcester Community Cabinet’s Celebration of Caring virtual event video.
Former patients, volunteers, and staff join Linda on screen to share personal
stories about the ways VNA Care’s compassionate and dedicated clinicians are
The Celebration of Caring video featured VNA
changing lives. Donor support remains essential as the agency responds to the Care staff Priscilla Lavin. She talked about her
ever-changing needs of local residents. For a link to the video and to make a son’s serious accident and the “amazing”
donation in support of patient care, please visit www.vnacare.org/worcester. recovery he’s making with the help of VNA Care.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following donors:
Presenting Sponsors
Inspired Leaders
Lenny & Charlie Monahan
Changemakers Jennifer Gallotta, PT, clinical services manager,
shared how donations to the Fill the Nursing Bag
Christopher G. Clarke initiative are helping patients in need.
Judy & Tony King Foundation
Advocates
Elizabeth Colby-Davie
Linda & Abe Haddad
Linda Maykel
Linda Haddad, an Advocate sponsor with her
husband Abe, is a former visiting nurse who has
turned to VNA Care for health care at home.
Worcester Area Community
Cabinet
Janet Birbara
Annette Caudill
Caregivers Erica Friend
Melanie & William Breidenbach Joseph D. Marquedant Linda Haddad
Philip & Katharine Cabrera Maureen & Stephen Pike Liisa Holm
Linda Maykel
Cheryl Milas
Robin Spaulding
Mary Surette
Karen Webber
Mary Whalen
5
Nursing and physical therapy students gain experience, insight into the
field of home-based health care through VNA Care’s clinical rotations
VNA Care’s clinical affiliations with Student rotations include the patients for any changes in their
area colleges support the education UMass Graduate School for a nurse condition, and educate patients about
and professional development of practitioner in palliative care and their diseases. While with her hospice
the next generation of health care Massachusetts College of Pharmacy preceptor, she was able to observe
professionals. and Health Sciences for physical how nurses approach end-of-life care
therapy. Senior year nursing students in the home setting.
enrolled in Fitchburg State University’s
“The most valuable lesson I learned
Chronic Illness in the Home & End-of-
was strengthening my skills in talking
Life course are also being mentored
to clients in the home setting rather
by VNA Care’s home health and
than in the in-patient setting where we
hospice teams.
have most of our clinicals,” said Sara.
Sara Lortie, a nursing student at
She added that her time with VNA
Fitchburg State, recently completed
Care’s nurses “contributed to my
her clinical rotation at VNA Care. She
learning extensively.”
valued the opportunity to observe how
patients with COPD, diabetes, and Michele said one nursing student
Nursing student Sara Lortie learned about home other chronic conditions are cared for shared that the experience “opened
health and hospice care firsthand through a her eyes to what we actually do out in
outside the hospital setting.
partnership between VNA Care and Fitchburg
State University. the field. It was very surprising to her
During Sara’s visits with her home
how similar it was to hospital nursing
health preceptor, she had the chance
“Our clinicians love to have students in terms of the acuity of the patient
to learn how to apply Unna Boots, a
with them and share what they are and the things we are able to do for
special compression bandage used
doing in the field,” said Michele patients in their homes.”
to treat slow healing leg wounds
Rosenthal, regional education
and ulcers, as well as how to assess
manager for VNA Care.
Patients, familes share gratitude
We love hearing directly from patients and families about how our visiting nurses
and other clinicians made a difference in their lives. These are just a few excerpts
VNA Care’s mission is to provide from those letters and emails. We are thankful for our donors who make this
VNA Care Network
the right care with kindness and
VNA of Boston important work possible!
compassion every day for every
person we &
VNA Hospice serve.
Palliative Care “After years of hearing about your talent and expertise, I had no doubt in my
mind who to ask for (Carol Jones, RN BSN WOCN). We are so grateful to you
for going above and beyond for our family member. I know my mom is looking
How to reach us down and so appreciative of everything you have done. It has been such a
Service Information comfort having someone take care of a family member that I know my mom
800-521-5539 trusted and that I could do the same. We love you and are beyond thankful.”
Donations and Mailing List “Recently, I broke my arm, and, through the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical
508-658-7700 Center, I was eventually referred to the VNA. I was lucky enough to meet Danielle
giving@vnacare.org Sullivan, a Therapist (OT) who helped me regain the use of my injured arm.
Danielle is a delightful and very savvy person. I looked forward to every meeting
Website
vnacare.org with her... She worked very diligently with me to reach my goals.”
“Thank you does not express the deep gratitude I feel for all you have done
Follow Us for me. From coming home in a wheelchair and walking freely is due to your
www.vnacare.org amazing staff of nurses and therapy — mainly Wendy Minich, PTA, and Janet
Facebook:
Macuso, OT. Please continue to give the excellent care and service you provide
facebook.com/vnacare.org
to all your patients.”
Instagram:
instagram.com/vna_care
6
Heroes in Health Care celebrates vision and hope
The two honorees, Patricia Kelleher, touched by VNA Care’s hospice by
executive director of the Home Junior Cius.
Care Alliance of Massachusetts, and
If you missed it, you can still watch at
Moderna, shared their appreciation for
vnacare.org/gala.
VNA Care’s health care workforce who
VNA Care celebrated an evening of courageously keep our communities We are so grateful for the continued
hope and vision at the annual Heroes healthy and safe. The 25-minute virtual support of our sponsors — you were
in Health Care fundraising gala in program featured a musical and dance integral to the event’s success in
November. tribute to all those who have been raising over $180,000.
From left: Junior Cius, choreographer, dancer
Presenting Sponsors ($25,000) Trustees ($15,000) and actor; Susan Carrigan, RN; and Governor
Charlie Baker
Honorary Gala Chair
Governor Charlie Baker
Honorary Gala Committee
Edward J. Benz Jr, MD
Joshua Boger, PhD, and Amy Boger, MD
Kevin B. Churchwell, MD
Joseph F. Coughlin, PhD
Joyce Cummings
Patrons ($10,000) Catherine D’Amato
John R. Greed
Deval Patrick and Diane Patrick
M. Lee Pelton, PhD
Joan Y. Reede, MD
Emily Rooney
Steven Strongwater, MD
Lydia Villa-Komaroff, PhD
Benefactors ($5,000) Kate Walsh
Justin Wyner
Emcee
Dr. Mallika Marshall
Gala Chairs & Committee
Linda Hope Springer, Gala Chair
Renee Picard Walsh, Gala Committee Chair
Supporters ($3,000) Barbara Belony, NP
Deborah & Ron Feinstein Catherine Bendeck, RN, BSN
Charlotte Bolster, PT
The Wise Family —
Donna Dupee
Bob, Marni & Laura Wise Dr. Catherine Frasco, DPT
Rod Hemingway, OT
Jessica Piper, APRN
Debra Angeloni Reilly
Michelle Sofi
Maura Vitello, RN
Nubia Whitaker
Laura Wise
7
4 Volunteer builds
6 7
Students learn about Governor Baker part of
Winter 2022 patient relationships home-based care Heroes in Health Care
VNA Care Network
VNA of Boston
VNA Hospice & Palliative Care
Fund Development Office
199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180
Danvers, MA 01923
Hospice helps family matriarch live the way she wanted at the end of life
Debra Haire was known for saying in making Debra’s wishes a reality — the hospice team was always a phone
exactly what she thought. So when her to continue living in her own home call away if they had any questions or
physician broke the news that she had and spending time with her children, concerns. The hospice team kept Debra
stage four cancer, she didn’t waste any grandchildren, and extended family that comfortable and prepared the family
time telling him how she wanted to live were central to her life. for what to expect during the end-of-life
during her last months of life. journey.
VNA Care offers palliative care to
Daughter-in-law Joyce Decker manage pain and symptoms for Debra was able to have quality time
remembered Debra saying, “If it’s not individuals with advanced illnesses. with her family. One of Brittany’s
curable and I’m not going to get any When a condition is terminal, the favorite memories of her grandmother
better, then just let me live out the rest of hospice team provides physical, happened while Debra was on hospice.
my life the way I am now. …I don’t want emotional, social, practical, and spiritual It was a beautiful day and the sun was
to take treatment.” support for patients and families. The shining. Debra liked to joke that she
hospice team cares for patients at home, was allergic to the sun, but she told her
She was referred to VNA Care so
assisted living and other facilities, and family she wanted to go outside. They
that her family would be supported
the Rose Monahan Hospice Home. got her into a wheelchair and took her
out on the porch.
Dorothy Lavallee said her mother “totally
embraced” the hospice experience. “She looked at me and said, ‘Brit, don’t I
Paulette Hallihan, RN, visited Debra at look so beautiful in the sun.’ I said, ‘You
home and “became like a member of look beautiful all the time Nana. But yes,
our family. ...I really felt like she loved you do look so beautiful, and you look
and cared about who my mother was so happy,’” remembered Brittany. “That
as a person. I can’t express enough how was a great day.”
great that was as a family member to
Debra passed away peacefully at home
know that whatever my mother needed
with her family at her side.
or wanted to say was just accepted with
open arms.” Joyce said, “I don’t know if we could
have done it all without hospice. …Every
Joyce, along with her husband Ronald
moment that hospice was there was a
Decker and daughter Brittany Decker,
blessing.”
Debra Haire was devoted to her family. RN, lived with Debra. Joyce said that
You can also read
