Home coming Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Coming Home WINTER 2015 A Publication of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County The following is an account of a woman whose life was touched by Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. Thank you for helping us provide compassionate care to someone in need. Kathleen was ill…and all alone. Strength and Refuge in the Comfort of Home V isiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County recently launched its annual appeal for funds to support the vital programs and services of our non-profit agency and we need your support. For more than 100 years we have provided compassionate home health and hospice care to children and adults in the heart of Fairfield County. We ask for your generous support to help us continue this important work. If you haven’t done so already, please consider making a gift to our annual appeal. You can make your tax-deductible donation online at www.visitingnurse.net. Your support is critical and your contribution will help someone in need. Thank you for helping us to bring healing and comfort to our community for more than a century and please accept our warmest wishes for your health and happiness throughout 2015. Throughout the years, Kathleen had built a life that involved strong bonds with her husband, daughter, and a few close friends. However in 2014, as she approached her 80th birthday, Kathleen felt desperately alone. Her husband had passed away in 2008 from lung cancer and her beloved daughter died just last year, the victim of an automobile accident. Now Kathleen was facing a frightening battle…a recurrence of breast cancer. Feelings of isolation and despair enveloped Kathleen soon after her daughter’s death. Receiving the news that her cancer had returned was more than she could bear and it sent her into a downward spiral. “I remember thinking that I wasn’t going to put up a fight,” Kathleen recalled. “My family was gone and there was simply no reason for me to continue living without them.” Continued on page 2 1 Coming Home WINTER 2015 Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Strength and Refuge in the Comfort of Home (cont’d.) Continued from page 1 VISITING NURSE & HOSPICE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY Board of Directors Rev. Holly Adams Sharon M. Bradley Ken Edgar Alex Eising Peter E. Gladitsch Thomas J. Healy, Jr. Hal Higby Tom Hoffman Dave Hunt Vytas A. Kisielius Janet Lebovitz Kesav Nair, MD Al Nickel Craig Olin, MD Nancy B. Perez Fran Reynolds Lynn Saphire Hal Shupack Karen Wackerman Honorary Directors Lois Anderson Mary Brock David Brown, MD Ray J. Groves Marilyn Hamilton Lynn Hupart-Cermola Helena Jedlinsky Joseph S. Kendy, Jr. Lee Ludwig Joyce McConnell Mal Warshaw Katharine Welling 2 She was frail and unable to leave her home in Stamford without assistance and, as such, Kathleen’s doctor put her in contact with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. Initially, she was hesitant to allow strangers into her home but Kathleen trusted her doctor’s advice. “My nurse, Ellie, couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful and I felt a little more optimistic after that first day.” Kathleen’s team of caregivers involved nurses, like Ellie, who taught her how to better manage her health condition and treatments and attended to her healthcare needs. Also caring for her was a home health aide who assisted her with dressing and her daily personal care. “I quickly began to look forward to their visits,” said Kathleen. “They were so kind and seemed genuinely concerned about me. I felt cared for and very safe and I knew I could depend on them. When they said they’d be there, they always were. Every time.” Recognizing that Kathleen was in emotional as well as physical pain, Ellie told her about the bereavement support groups offered by Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County which are led by professional grief counselors. “In some respects, I was prepared when my husband died,” said Kathleen. “But my daughter’s death shook me to the core. I never expected to outlive my child. I was in emotional agony and completely incapable of feeling joy after that.” Through the love and support Kathleen experienced in the bereavement support group, she gradually began to feel more like herself again. “I felt so alone with my grief, but every person in that group had experienced the terrible pain of loss, just like me,” said Kathleen. The bereavement support group became a source of strength and refuge for Kathleen and she was surprised to find that she was actually able to reach out to others in the group and provide them with support and comfort. “I felt needed again,” said Kathleen. “And that was a tonic.” Kathleen now embraces life. She enjoys socializing with her longtime friends and also enjoys activities with the new friends she’s made in the support group. “I never imagined this could happen. I was ready to give up and I now feel like I’ve been given a second chance.” Kathleen continues to receive treatment for her cancer and remains hopeful. “I realize now that, in spite of loss, each day is a gift. Life has dealt me some terrible blows, and some days are more difficult than others, but I am stronger now – emotionally and physically – and for that I am grateful to the caring people at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.” ■ w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t 800-898-HOME Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Coming Home WINTER 2015 D ana and Al Nickel believe in giving back to their community. Dana is a past member of the Board of Directors of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and has volunteered at many Agency fundraisers over the years. Al is currently on the Board and serves on the Long Range Planning Committee. Together, these longtime Wilton residents have actively and generously supported the Agency for more than 20 years. Al remembers learning about Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County many years ago when a friend needed home care services. He was moved by the level of care that his friend received and decided that he wanted to do more to help. “Caring for patients at home – and keeping them out of the hospital — is so important,” said Al. “It is devastating to be sick,” added Dana, a former EMT whose mother has received services from Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. “To be able to receive healthcare in the privacy of one’s own home is so comforting.” “I especially appreciate Home Telehealth,” said Dana, which provides monitoring and education to home care patients and enables them to communicate directly with a nurse. “The peace of mind that Telehealth gives to patients and their family members is tremendous.” Dana and Al worked in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare marketing for many years. As such, they recognized the vital nature of the Agency’s mission and the value of its impact on the community and wanted to be more involved. “As a board member, I have been so impressed with the remarkable professionalism and compassion of the Photo by Bruce Ando Donor Spotlight: Dana and Al Nickel clinical and administrative staff,” said Al. “It is reassuring to know that this non-profit agency is right here in our community, serving those in need.” “Dana and I are pleased and proud to support Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County,” said Al. “It is immensely rewarding to be a part of such an important organization. We are gratified to find that in investing in the future of this Agency, we are able to make a difference in our community and gain far more than we give.” ■ Many Thanks to the New Canaan Community Foundation T he New Canaan Community Foundation’s Anne and Anthony Sapienza Fund made a generous block grant to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County to provide scholarships for Agency paraprofessionals who wish to pursue a higher education in the nursing field. Toni Bocchetta, a Norwalk resident, has been a Certified Nursing Assistant with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County for two years. The patients she has worked with love Toni and her 800-898-HOME colleagues at the Agency have described her as “energetic, pleasant and always providing wonderful care to patients.” With the scholarship provided by the New Canaan Community Foundation’s Anne and Anthony Sapienza Fund, Toni is now pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Norwalk Community College. Congratulations to Toni and many thanks to the New Canaan Community Foundation’s Anne w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t Toni Bocchetta and Anthony Sapienza Fund for their generosity. ■ 3 Coming Home WINTER 2015 Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Have your Blood Pressure Checked! H ave you had your blood pressure checked lately? About one in every ten Americans has high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a uniquely silent disease — most people do not know they have it. Uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, high blood pressure is highly treatable and can be controlled with diet, exercise and medication. Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County offers free blood pressure screenings each month S chedule of at various times and locations. A registered nurse will check your blood pressure, dispense valuable information and answer questions about how to keep your blood pressure in check through healthy eating, exercise and stress reduction. ■ Blood Pressure Screenings Darien Senior Center 1st Monday of the Month 10:00 am – 11:00 am 2 Renshaw Rd, Darien Darien Library 1441 Post Road, Darien 1st Tuesday of the Month Norwalk Senior Center 2nd & 4th Thurs of the Month 11 Allen Road, Norwalk Norwalk Senior Center South 92 Cedar Street, Norwalk 1st Tuesday of the Month 3rd Tuesday of the Month Heritage Center 2nd Tuesday of the Month 37 Lonetown Road, Redding Jewish Community Center 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford 10:00 am – 12 noon 9:30 am – 11:00 am 9:30 am – 10:30 am 1st Tuesday of the Month Over 60 Club 4th Wednesday of the Month at St. John’s Episcopal Church 628 Main Street (2nd Floor), Stamford Westport Center for Senior Activities 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport 12 noon – 1:30 pm 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm 9:45 am – 11:15 am 11:00 am – 12:30 pm 9:30 am – 11:30 am Wilton Health Department 1st Monday of the Month Town Hall Annex 238 Danbury Road, Wilton 9:30 am – 11:00 am 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Wilton YMCA 404 Danbury Road, Wilton 2nd Thursday of the Month 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Village Market of Wilton 108 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton 4th Tuesday of the Month 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Wilton Senior Center 180 School Road, Wilton 1st Thursday of the Month 11:00 am – 12 noon Screenings are free-of-charge and there is no appointment necessary. For more information, call 203-762-8958. 4 w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t 800-898-HOME Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Coming Home WINTER 2015 Join the Lillian Wald Society and Leave a Legacy T he work that we do would not be possible without the help of our friends in the community — friends who care enough to provide for the future. We cherish our relationship with our donors because it is their personal commitment that enables us to provide the highest quality home health and hospice care to children and adults in our community. The Society is named in honor of Lillian Wald, the founder of American community nursing. Her tireless and unselfish devotion to humanity is acknowledged around the world and her visionary home health care programs have been widely replicated. Planned giving, or making provisions for a bequest in one’s estate planning, is a way in which friends, supporters and those whose lives have been touched by our Agency can continue their support and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Bequests of any size will ensure that we will be here to serve the community for generations to come. The Lillian Wald Society recognizes those special individuals who wish to provide for the future of our Agency and our community with a planned gift. If you are considering making a planned gift to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and would like more information, please contact us at 203-834-6341 ext. 305. ■ It was with this in mind that we created The Lillian Wald Society. Create a Lasting Memorial Tribute C elebrate the life of a loved one who has died and create a lasting tribute to their memory by sharing your thoughts on our website’s Memorial Tribute page. We invite you to visit our website at www.visitingnurse.net and simply click on the Donate Now button to make your donation, light a candle and add a personal sentiment or message. ■ Helping others – now and forever. A charitable gift in your will could be the most important, and lasting, gift you ever make. For more information about how your generosity can live on through a bequest to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, call 203-834-6341, extension 305. 5 800-898-HOME w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t Coming Home WINTER 2015 Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Bereavement Support Continues through the Winter V isiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County is committed to providing bereavement support groups to anyone who is grieving following the death of a loved one. Participation in a support group offers the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and therapeutic environment with others who have also suffered a loss. For more information, contact the Bereavement Coordinator at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County at 203-762-8958, ext. 255. ■ Winter Schedule of Support Groups For Grieving Adults at the Health & Wellness Center at I-Park, 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk Loss of a Spouse with Amy Bauer, LCSW for those grieving the loss of a spouse Weekly on Mondays 1/19/15 - 3/9/15 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Loss of a ParentWeekly on Thursdays6:00 – 7:30 pm with Rev. Karen Judd, LCSW 1/22/15 - 3/12/15 for adults grieving the loss of a parent Loss of a ChildWeekly on Wednesdays3:00 – 4:30 pm with Laurie Petrasanta, MS, BSW 1/28/15 - 3/18/15 for adults grieving the loss of a child Caregiver Support with Laurie Petrasanta, MS, BSW for those caring for an ill loved one Weekly on Tuesdays 1/20/15 - 3/10/15 Loss of a Loved One with Rev. Karen Judd, LCSW for adults grieving the loss of a loved one Weekly on Tuesdays 1/27/15 - 3/17/15 1:30 – 3:00 pm 6:00 – 7:30 pm Support groups are open to the public and there is no charge for participation. Pre-registration is required. A Gift from the Heart for Valentine’s Day G ive a special person in your life a gift from the heart this Valentine’s Day. Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County is honoring those we love in a meaningful way by offering its Gift from the Heart program. We invite you to make a Valentine’s Day donation to the Agency in honor, or in memory, of a cherished person in 6 your life. We will then send you, your loved one, or anyone you designate, a special Valentine card with a loving sentiment that acknowledges your gift – just in time for Valentine’s Day. We will also enclose a special paper heart. This beautifully handcrafted paper heart is made of 100% recycled cotton and fresh flowers and it is embedded with 12 different varieties of wildflower seeds. Plant it in your garden and wildflowers will bloom year after year in memory or in honor of your loved one. Make a difference this Valentine’s Day. Show your loved ones how much you care with a gift from the heart. For more information, call our Development Office at 203-8346341, ext. 305. ■ w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t 800-898-HOME Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Coming Home WINTER 2015 Many Thanks to the Turnover Shop of Wilton W e wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Turnover Shop of Wilton for their most generous gift of $40,000 to support the work of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. The Turnover Shop was founded in 1950 to benefit Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and the Wilton PTA. Since then, the Turnover Shop has become a familiar fixture in Wilton Center with an ever-growing following of donors, customers and devoted volunteers. The Turnover Shop welcomes donations and consignments of clothing, jewelry, accessories, collectibles, antiques, art, small furniture, housewares, silverware, china, small appliances, toys, games, books and sporting goods. Each year, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County has been the grateful recipient of increasing support through the Turnover Shop volunteers, Allegra Raynor, Caroline Boniello and Barbara Rimakis. growing success of the Turnover Shop and we are enormously thankful. “The Turnover Shop is a tremendous asset to the community and a source of great pride to all who live and work in Wilton,” said Sharon Bradley. “We thank them for their dedication, community spirit and exceptional generosity.” ■ Thank You for Sharing A t Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, we are grateful for the privilege of caring for our patients and their loved ones. It is gratifying to receive letters from those who have been touched by our care and we’d like to share an excerpt from one of these letters with you so that you will know the difference your support makes in the lives of our patients and their families. Thanks for joining in our mission to bring healing and comfort to our community. ■ ice of Fairfield County, Dear Visiting Nurse & Hosp organization often in the I have thought about your ate all the love and supI appreci year since my mother died. ring her final days. I want du d ide ov pr ff sta ur yo t port tha r re for her and for giving ou the ng bei for all u yo nk tha to t care and support during tha entire family such wonderful an , er keep your agency d ev for ll wi I e. tim t ul fic dif extremely se work and volunteer there, clo o wh als du ivi ind l ifu ut bea the know s an amazing woman and I to my heart. My mom wa to all of you. that she was very grateful Thank you, Jenny 7 800-898-HOME w w w. v i s i t i n g n u r s e . n e t Bringing Healing and Comfort to Our Community Save the Date for the Boathouse Bash Coming Home WINTER 2015 Annual Report Now Available L et’s make some waves! Please join us for fabulous food, friends and fun as we celebrate the coming of spring at the Boathouse Bash! This special benefit will be held at the spectacular Boathouse at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport on Sunday, April 26th from 4:00 until 6:00 pm. The event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the cool keyboards of Chris Coogan, a fabulous auction, and all with a breathtaking view of the Saugatuck River. Mark your calendar for this special fundraiser and help us bring compassionate home health and hospice care to our community. To inquire about reservations or sponsorship opportunities, please call 203-834-6341, ext. 305 or visit us online at www.visitingnurse.net. ■ Agency is Tops Among Home Care Agencies V isiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County is proud to have been named one of the nation’s top-performing home healthcare agencies once again in 2014. HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 percent of Medicare certified agencies ranked by an analysis of performance P.O. Box 489 Wilton, CT 06897 www.visitingnurse.net measures. Those measures include quality of care, quality improvement and consistency, patient experience, process measure implementation and financial management. ■ V isiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County recently released its 2014 Annual Report. If you would like to receive a copy, call the Development Department at 203-834-6341, ext. 305, or read it on our website at www.visitingnurse.net. ■ Coming Home is a publication of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please write to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, P.O. Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897. Editor: Alice Mulligan Join our team of healthcare professionals. Ask about career and volunteer opportunities. 800-898-HOME 8