Fall 2014 Newsletter - VNA of Somerset Hills

Healing Family News
HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE SERVICES
COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
VNA Nurse Honored as Best in NJ
VNA nurse Gail Bechtold,
RN, has been selected as
the 2014 Home Care &
Hospice Nurse of the Year
from New Jersey. The
annual Nurse of the Year
Recognition
Program,
presented by National
Association for Home Care
& Hospice (NAHC) and
Home Healthcare Nurses
Association
(HHNA),
spotlights the nation’s top
50 home care and hospice
nurses. Honorees were
selected from thousands
of nominees received from
agencies nationwide.
“With her outstanding
superb
Judge Irwin Kimmelman (l) has been receiving professionalism,
clinical skills and limitless
care from VNA nurse Gail Bechtold, RN (r),
recently named 2014 Home Care & Hospice Nurse compassion, Gail is the
of the Year from New Jersey.
embodiment of a true
ADULT DAY CENTER
Fall 2014
home health nurse,” said Judy Adamcsik, RN, MSN, Director of
Professional Services at the VNA. “Through her respectful and
thoughtful care, she makes a difference in the lives of her
patients by helping them remain happier and healthier at
home.”
Judge Irwin Kimmelman, VNA patient and former Attorney
General under Governor Thomas Kean, has been receiving
care from Gail since 2011. “Watching this dignified and selfconfident gentleman become dependent and confined to a
wheelchair, I knew that the approach to providing his care is
as important as the services themselves. Dignity must not be
overlooked because of someone’s medical status,” said
Bechtold. By providing medical expertise and careful
instructions, she has helped Judge Kimmelman’s caregivers
learn to manage all of his care at home. “Together, we have
avoided repeat hospitalizations. I will forever respect what he
has accomplished before, and since, we met.”
“Patients and their family members often call or write to the
agency to express their gratitude to her,” added Adamcsik. “At
the VNA, we feel fortunate that she has chosen to be a
member of our care team for the past six years.”
VNA 2013 HIGHLIGHTS
Inside Your Agency
A message from Ann M. Painter, President & CEO,
VNA of Somerset Hills
Each year at our Annual Meeting, we recognize Board
members and staff whose efforts have made it possible for
the agency to fulfill our mission.
The 2014 Visiting Nurse
Association of Somerset Hills
Distinguished Board Service
Award was presented to Fox
Stoddard.
A
long-time
supporter and goodwill
ambassador for the VNA and
Adult Day Center, Stoddard
served on the Board of
Trustees for four, three year
terms, and is currently a
member of the Advisory
Council. Returning Board of
Trustees
member,
Jim
Helpinstill, former Advisory
Council member, Susan
Manley, and Barbara Niedz
were welcomed as newly
Distinguished Board Service Award recipient,
appointed
Board members.
Fox Stoddard
On behalf of everyone in the
VNA family, thank you to departing Trustees Robert Boye,
Dorothy DeMaio and Charlie Lind and for their service to the
organization.
Starting work on the same day in 1989, Claire O’Brien,
Directory of Community Health Services & the Adult Day
Ann Painter, VNA President & CEO (l), congratulates staff members
Claire O’Brien (c) and Patty Lutts (r)
Center, and Patty Lutts, Certified Home Health Aide, received
special recognition of their 25th anniversary of service with
the agency. Both have a commitment to caring and
community that has touched the lives of many patients,
families and co-workers. We also presented longevity awards
to 14 additional employees
in recognition of their five
Board of Trustees 14-15
and ten year anniversaries.
Selecting a Home Care Provider is Your Choice
When home health or hospice services are recommended after leaving the hospital or by
your physician, you have the right to choose the provider that will be continuing your care
at home. The VNA of Somerset Hills can provide services to residents living anywhere in
Morris and Somerset counties. We consistently receive outstanding patient satisfaction
ratings, currently have the lowest hospital readmission rate of leading competitors, and
work closely with the hospital and your physician to ensure a safe and smooth transition
to home care.
To assure that you will receive care from the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset
Hills, please make sure to tell your physician and those planning your hospital
discharge that we are your chosen provider.
Our Mission
To provide individuals and families with comprehensive, high quality, cost-effective home and
community healthcare services, regardless of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate.
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Chair
Charles A. Reid III, Esq.
1st Vice Chair
Maureen Schneider, RN, MSN, MBA, Ph.D.
2nd Vice Chair
Juliet Patsalos-Fox
Secretary
Peter Mercer
Treasurer
Marianne Witte
Board of Directors
Grania Allport, RN
Carol Butera
Peter Burke, Esq.
Denise Coyle, Esq.
Jim Helpinstill
Brian Lawrence
Susan Lichtenberger, RN
Sue Manley
Charles Miller
Barbara Niedz, RN, Ph.D.
Peter Orlic, M.D.
Dan Powell
Evelyn Prather
Fatimah Tahil, M.D.
A Caregiver’s Story Inspires Others
Like many of you, Sandra Falconeri knows that caring for
an aging and disabled parent isn’t easy. Sandra, who
raised her own four children, is the only child and
devoted caregiver to her mother, Anita. She does
everything possible to provide the best possible care for
her mother despite substantial personal sacrifices. Even
as Anita’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed from early stage
to requiring 24 hour supervision, Sandra never deviated
from her commitment to keep her mother living in the
family home until no longer a feasible option.
Though she had always lived with Sandra and her family,
Anita led an active life prior to the onset of dementia. She
had been a familiar face at the Bernardsville ShopRite
until memory issues forced her to retire at age 87. After
doctors confirmed her mom’s diagnosis in 2007, Sandra
found herself and her family facing major obstacles,
especially financial. No longer able to work full time,
Sandra lost her benefits. When Anita had serious medical
issues including a fractured hip, Sandra needed to stop
working completely for a period of time.
In 2008, Anita started attending the VNA of Somerset Hills
Adult Day Center. She came two days a week allowing
Sandra to return to work part time, knowing that her
mom was happy and well cared for in a safe environment.
As daily caregiving requirements quickly increased,
Sandra needed more help. With funding assistance
secured through the VNA Respite Care program, Anita
began attending the Center five days a week. “I call them
my angels,” said Anita of the Adult Day Center staff. “You
have no idea what it means to have this program.”
Not only is Sandra is a devoted caregiver, she always
manages to maintain a positive attitude. “Sandra is a
Sandra Falconeri (l) is a devoted caregiver to her mother, Anita (r), who is an Adult Day
Center member and Respite Care recipient. Her extraordinary effort and positive attitude are
an inspiration to others in a similar situation.
fantastic role model for those who know her and for other
caregivers,” said Debra Massa, Respite Coordinator at the
VNA. “She is an extremely patient and upbeat caregiver.
She even cheers up the staff,” added Maria Keenen,
Manager of the Adult Day Center. “The quality of care she
provides her mother is outstanding. For example, she
always has her dressed beautifully.”
When asked how she continues to remain optimistic
while managing daily caregiving challenges, Sandra
smiles. “I just take every day as it comes.” Sandra was
recently honored by a local corporation for her efforts
and as an inspiration to others in a similar situation.
We understand that the responsibilities of caring for an
elderly loved one while managing your own life can be
exhausting and overwhelming. For more information
about VNA caregiver resources, the Adult Day Center, or
the Respite Care Program, visit us online at
www.visitingnurse.org or call 908-766-0180.
Reduce Fall Risk and Stay Independent
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury to older adults. In fact,
1 out of 3 adults over age 65 fall each year.* Take steps to reduce your own risk:
• Include strength and balance exercises as part of your regular exercise
program (with physician approval)
• Meet with your physician/healthcare providers to screen for vision, foot and/or shoe
problems, and to review your medications (bring a list of everything you take!)
• Check for home hazards and make necessary modifications
• Choose comfortable, supportive footwear, and avoid walking in socks,
stockings or shoes with no backs
• Use assistive devices, as needed, such as canes and walkers
Helping to reduce risk of falls and ensure your safety at home is an important part
of the care provided by the VNA. Our experts are available to perform a safety
evaluation at your home and identify anything that might be hazardous and
contribute to accidents. For further information, call 908-766-0180.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
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PAID
Chester, NJ
Permit No. 468
200 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
NURSING & REHABILITATION THERAPY
HOSPICE CARE
CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT
HOME HEALTH AIDES
ADULT DAY CENTER
RESPITE CARE & CAREGIVER ASSISTANCE
PRIVATE PAY
COMMUNITY WELLNESS PROGRAMS
908-766-0180
visitingnurse.org
Upcoming Events
Rummage Sale Donations
September 6-24
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Monday-Saturday
Rummage Sale
Friday and Saturday October 3 & 4
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 5 • 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Dinner with Friends
Sunday, November 2
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 13
10:00 a.m.
Adult Day Center at the VNA
Dinner with Friends
(formerly Taste of the Hills)
November 2, 2014
Raffles ▪ Silent Auction ▪ 50/50
Basking Ridge Country Club
Honoring Jean A. Horton and Claire L. O'Brien
New This Year!
Purchase a journal ad or congratulatory message
For more information:
www.bitly.com/dinnerwithfriends
or call 908-766-0180 ext 151
If you are a current or former patient and do not wish to receive future fundraising requests supporting the Visiting
Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, please contact us at [email protected] or 908-766-0180 ext.151, identifying
yourself and stating that you no longer want to receive fundraising requests. After receiving your request, we will honor
your decision not to receive future fundraising communications.

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