VNA Today Vol 25 No 3

Volume 25 • No. 3 • 2010

The Newsletter of the Visiting Nurse Associationof the Treasure Coast

VNA Today

The Power of Laughter

Anyone within earshot of Verna Braden’s room at Consulate Health Care knows when the “Laughing Lady” is visiting.

The “Laughing Lady” is Nancy Johnson, a certified laughter leader from Sebastian and a member of the VNA’s North County Advisory Council. Johnson is a grandmother, volunteer, consultant, and someone whose husband died of cancer in VNA Hospice care thirteen years ago.

Verna a VNA hospice patient who has Alzheimer’s, is the first patient to try the laughter sessions, which are paid for by her daughter, Pamela Bennett, of Vero Beach.

From the sound of things on a recent Monday morning, the sessions are working terrifically for Verna, eighty-nine. All sorts of things make people laugh, experts say, and it doesn’t take a comedian, or even a good joke to fill a person’s lungs with laughter or eyes with joy. Laughter can improve the mood of the very sick and even those facing terminal illnesses.

“Laughter is contagious,” Johnson explains. “When someone is laughing in front of you, it is awfully hard not to laugh as well.”

Looking for a fun and unique way to support the VNA? Then mark your calendar for Saturday, November 20th for the VNA’s “Hustle for Home Health and Hospice.” Join us for this exciting event as we celebrate our 35th anniversary and National Home Care and Hospice Month. This 3.5-mile walk/run will begin at 7:35 a.m. at 1110 35th Lane (VNA main building). The first 235 registrants will receive a free long-sleeved t-shirt and medals will be awarded to all finishers. All proceeds will benefit the VNA’s charitable home health and hospice care in our community. For more information or to register, visit www.vnatc.com/race.

www.vnatc.com • 1110 35th Lane • Vero Beach, FL 32960 • 772.567.5551 • 800.749.5760

WHAT’S INSIDE

© 2010 VNA of the Treasure Coast

5

6

11

Operation Medicine Cabinet

Answer Nurse

What Your Donations Accomplish

See Laughter on page 3

The VNA’s new CEO has experienced healthcare in a way that very few others in the profession ever will.

Joyce Baldrica gave her mother a kidney, her quadriplegic brother a life he could never have expected without her help, and transformed her grandmother’s fatal overdose of insulin into a lifelong quest for patient safety.

Drawing from her Midwestern middle-class roots, Baldrica worked her way through undergraduate school as a bank teller, eventually finishing with a Master’s degree with honors in accounting.

Baldrica started her healthcare career as a hospital data entry clerk, became a patient accountant, then a roving Medicare auditor. After several increasingly larger healthcare finance and management positions, in 2008 she became a regional Vice President of St. John Providence Health System, a $2.5-billion non-profit in the Detroit area.

So why Vero Beach? “I realized that it wasn’t about what I could accomplish but about what I wanted to accomplish,” she said. “I wanted to lead an organization that cared for our most vulnerable and often over-looked populations – and to care for them in their surroundings not an institution, because I truly believe home is where the healing can begin.”

She describes herself as a “servant leader with a laser-like focus on both the patient experience and improving associate satisfaction.” Those around her say she leads by example and listens more than she talks.

While she was in college, two tragedies changed the course of her life and the way she practices her career. In 1989, her 19-year-old brother was paralyzed by an ocean wave while vacationing in Florida. He had no insurance, hence there was no immediate surgery and he was about to be shunted to the margins of medicine. It was then that Baldrica saw first-hand what can happen to

“medically indigent” patients and what role home healthcare can play in their lives.

“That is where I really learned about caring for someone…caring for someone in the middle of the night,” Baldrica said. It is where she learned what it meant to take for granted simple things like the ability to get oneself a drink of water without needing assistance.

Today, her brother is independent, working as a job counselor in a program that helps disabled employees. And, as a result of Baldrica’s experience with her brother, she said she felt “called” to a career in home healthcare and it shaped who she is as a healthcare professional and as a person.

Baldrica’s grandmother was sixty-seven when she developed diabetes and needed insulin. Forced to drop from school in the third grade, she could not read or write. “She hadn’t quite understood everything the nurse said but she didn’t want the nurse to think she was stupid,” Baldrica said of her grandmother’s first experience with insulin in 1987. The next day she gave herself an entire day’s dose of insulin in one injection and within hours Baldrica’s grandmother died.

“Years later, it dawned on me,” Baldrica said. “In patient safety, no question is a dumb question. We ask if they understand what we say, but we are not asking them to show us.”

Under her leadership, VNA associates and patients can count on a formalized, rigorous patient safety and quality assurance program, she said.

Five years ago, another major event occured. “My mother, at sixty-two, lost the function of her kidneys and I donated one of mine to her. After that, I would meet monthly with potential donors and talk about my experience—one woman even wanted to see my scars. It has been five years since the donation and both my mother and I are doing well.”

When she kicks back, Baldrica bikes, reads, walks, eats s’mores, and spends time with her husband, Tony, and their children, Brittany, 16, a high school junior and son, Anthony, 18, a University of Michigan pre-med student.

VNA Welcomes New President & CEO

Joyce Baldrica, President and CEO

2 www.vnatc.com VNA Today 3

Johnson calls on a bag full of props, including a hilarious, flip-flopping, green, stuffed mechanical alligator whose antics could put a grin on the Egyptian sphinx. Verna laughs aloud when Johnson puts it on the table and the critter takes off.

Johnson’s work evokes everything from giggles to guffaws. Bennett says she couldn’t be happier with her mom’s laughter sessions. “It is just fabulous. It sets her whole week,” Bennett said. “I think it gets her mind and hands going for the week.”

A simple hand mirror that Johnson gives Verna is especially effective, Bennett said, always evoking a humorous response from her mother when she peers into the looking glass and asks: “Verna, where have you been?”

There is a lot of lung-stretching laughter going on during this fast-paced hour of fun. Verna laughs aloud as she clutches, squeezes, or cuddles stuffed critters that squeak or squawk, flip or flop. There is even a white, fuzzy bear that says aloud things like “I love You.” Out comes a yellow stuffed light bulb and they belt out together: “This Little Light of Mine.” Verna sings along with other stuffed animals that play everything from slamming ‘Mo Town’ to softies like, “That’s What Friends Are For,” sung by “Girly,” a bear wearing a pink, feathered hat.

“Laughter therapy actually prolongs life,” explained Kathy Parker, VNA’s Vice President of Hospice. “It improves both cardiac and pulmonary function. It releases healing endorphins that help fight infection and it speeds up metabolism.”

“This of course supports the theory that there is definitely a correlation between mind and body.”

“She has to be the happiest resident here,” said Verna’s VNA health aide, Heather Brathwaite. “I think that every Monday Mrs. Johnson comes in, she puts a renewal on that smile.”

The Power of LaughterContinued from page 1

The Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County is a self-supporting, 27-year-old organization that seeks to promote the highest quality of life for caregivers, families, and those affected by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related neurological diseases. They offer many services to community members including support groups, lending library and resource center, monthly meetings, respite care, activity center, weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes, memory screenings, monthly newsletter, and other community outreach activities. The VNA is a proud supporter and partner of the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.alzpark.org or call them at 772.563.0505.

VNA Community Partner Profile

Follow Us Onlinevnatc.com

facebook.com/vnatc

twitter.com/vnatc

youtube.com/vnatc

VNA Today 3

At age sixty-one, a time when most people are starting to slow down, Dr. Katherine Schenk was just warming up—beginning an impressive volunteer career with the VNA that would span thirty years.

The ninty-one-year-old retired nurse/educator closed that chapter of her volunteer service in 2010 and became the first recipient of a new VNA Outstanding Volunteer Award that from now on will bear her name.

The “Katherine Schenk Award” will go to the VNA volunteer who gives the most hours of service each year.

“For thirty years Katherine Schenk has been a tireless worker, a great friend of her patients, our nurses, and an inspiration to all of us at the VNA,” said Ann Marie McCrystal, a founding member of the VNA and current Chairman of the VNA of the Treasure Coast Board.

Katherine, who earned her doctorate in education from the University of Florida in 1969, is a former Duke University nursing professor. She started in the early days of the VNA, giving extra nursing attention to ten special needs patients five days a week. In later years she meticulously reviewed hundreds of patient records each week to ensure that procedures were followed and documented. She also wrote the VNA’s first policies and procedures manual and established a nursing education library.

“It was really fun working with young nurses,” Katherine said. “It was like being a teacher but not having to go to faculty meetings, or give grades, or do any of the other unpleasant jobs of being a teacher.” “The things they are doing with patients in the home, the technical things that were never seen outside the hospital,” she explained, were not in play when she began her career with the VNA.

“Education! Education just oozes from her,” said longtime friend Queen McGowan, VNA Referral Specialist, who worked closely with Katherine for eight years beginning in 1988. “She’s just a caring person. So gentle. She has just a calming effect. So smooth, so charming, so graceful.”

Katherine held many job titles in her storied career at the VNA. The one she cherishes? “Of all of those, I like: Education Assistant.”

As we went to press, we learned Katherine passed away from a brief illness. She was a cherished volunteer and an irreplaceable member of the VNA family. Katherine, you will be missed!

Dr. Katherine Schenk

Award Named for Nursing Educator

Take a moment this holiday season to reflect on special memories of loved ones and honor them by hanging an angel card on the VNA Hospice Tree of Remembrance, November 26 through December 24 at the Indian River Mall.

As part of the Tree of Remembrance program, VNA Hospice also offers hand-crafted porcelain holiday ornaments and personalized ornaments to individuals who donate to our hospice program. Teddy bear cards will also be available for children to color and hang on a special Teddy Bear Tree.

The proceeds from ornament sales, and other generous donations help provide hospice care to patients in Indian River County who face a life-limiting illness.

A Time to Remember

VNA Today 54 www.vnatc.com

On July 12, 2010, the VNA Hidden Treasures Resale Boutique hosted the Indian River County Sheriff Office’s Operation Medicine Cabinet Pharmaceutical Take Back Program, an effort to collect expired and unwanted medications from community members. The program, endorsed by the Florida Crime Prevention Association, runs May through August with a variety of drop-off locations throughout the county.

“Operation Medicine Cabinet’s goal is to keep unused or expired medication out of the environment and out of the wrong hands, because prescription drug usage has become an abused narcotic today,” said Deputy Roberta Barker, who runs the county’s program.

The operation at VNA Hidden Treasures started at 9:00 a.m. and within an hour, boxes of prescriptions, vitamins, and other over-the-counter medications were collected and then emptied into a hazardous waste box before being sent to an incineration facility in Orlando.

The operation was very successful, with more than thirty-four pounds collected in three hours, bringing the County’s total amount collected to date 421.28 pounds, according to Barker. Hidden Treasures will now be added to the regular schedule for collection locations, according to store manager Theresa Ooley.

For more information about Operation Medicine Cabinet Pharmaceutical Take Back Program or to find out when the next operation will take place, please contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s office at 772.569.6700.

VNA Hidden Treasures Hosts Operation Medicine Cabinet

Rosalie brings to the VNA more than fourteen years of HR support, employee

relations, and managerial experience in human resource positions for large companies. In her new role, Webster will be responsible for the management and direction of all aspects of the VNA’s human resource and education departments. Prior to joining the VNA, she served as the Human Resource Director at Senior Resource Association in Vero Beach, where she provided leadership, support, and recruitment.

In addition to working at Senior Resource Association, Webster previously worked at Musa Holdings, in Florida, as the Human Resource Director, where she took a one year project to revamp HR functions and enhance department and company performance.

“I have used several services of the VNA as a caregiver, so I am thrilled to be part of this great organization. In my role, I look forward to enhancing Human Resources and Education to better meet the changing needs of our associates, patients, and community,” said Rosalie.

Webster received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. She is also received her SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) through the Society of Human Resource Management at FAU.

Please Join Us in Welcoming…

RosALie WeBsTeR

ViCE PRESiDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND EDUCATiON

VNA Today 5

Glenda Kouns Grady is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with the Visiting Nurse Association and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Family Practice.

Q—What is the difference between the common cold and the seasonal flu?

A—The seasonal flu virus is much more dangerous than the common cold virus and has longer-lasting effects. The seasonal flu is more dangerous because it can lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. Children and seniors are especially susceptible to developing pneumonia if they have the seasonal flu. Seasonal flu symptoms are more severe and come on more quickly. They include: sore throat, cough, headache, fever, muscle soreness, congestion, and exhaustion. More severe flu symptoms include chills, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are also common in pneumonia.

The common cold typically lasts one week and presents symptoms that come on gradually, such as sore throat, runny nose, nasal and chest congestion, and sometimes mild cough. The common cold is contagious for the first three days a person is experiencing symptoms. Pneumonia kills over 60,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of death in children. Pneumonia is also the fifth killer of seniors age sixty-five and older.

Getting vaccinated against both the flu and pneumonia viruses is easy, inexpensive, and can help reduce your risk of developing a life-threatening illness.

“shoo the Flu” with the VNA

For seventeen years, the VNA has provided low-cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations throughout Indian River, St. Lucie, and south-central Brevard Counties. Immunization clinics are hosted by local businesses, civic organizations, places of worship, social clubs, and homeowners’ associations from late September through mid-January. There is no out-of-pocket expense for those who present their Medicare or Health First insurance card at the time of immunization. The VNA will bill these insurances on your behalf. For a complete list of flu and pneumonia vaccination clinics, please visit our website at www.vnatc.com or call our “Shoo the Flu” hotline at 772.567.5760, Option 4. If you are interested in scheduling a clinic for your organization, please contact Maggie Creelman at 772.978.5524 or [email protected]

The VNA Answer Nurse welcomes your questions. Please write or call: The VNA Answer Nurse, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, 772.978.5636, or [email protected].

This material is for general information. To diagnose a specific illness or disorder, consult your doctor.

Shoo the FluVNA ANSWER NURSE

Glenda Kouns Grady, ARNP

Health Screening Schedule Available OnlineDid you know that you have access to the VNA’s blood pressure/blood sugar screening schedule with just the click of a button? Visit www.vnatc.com and click on the “Community Wellness” block in the center of the screen to view the latest schedule. You may also call our health screening hotline 772.567.5760, Option 6.


Mobile Unit ScheduleThe VNA Mobile Unit provides basic healthcare services free of charge for Indian River County residents who are without health insurance. Our Mobile Unit’s nurse practitioners can examine patients, diagnose their illnesses, and prescribe medications.

sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Fellsmere Community Center56 North Broadway Street, Fellsmere

Monday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Winn Dixie Shopping Plaza2950 9th St. S.W., Vero Beach *

Tuesday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Riverview ParkU.S. Highway 1 and Harrison St., Sebastian *

Wednesday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.VNA Parking Lot1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach *

Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.Gifford Youth Activity Center4875 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach *

Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.VNA Parking Lot1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach *

saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.CVS Pharmacy8495 U.S. Highway 1, Wabasso

* Closed for lunch from noon – 1 p.m.

18th Annual “Shoo the Flu” Program Keeps Community ProtectedThis year marks several important anniversaries for the VNA. It is our 35th year providing home healthcare to our friends and neighbors in Indian River County. On May 3rd, we held our 20th annual Golf-A-Thon fundraiser. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of both our Hospice House, and our VNA Space Coast office in Melbourne. Last, but certainly not least, 2010 marks the 18th season of our “Shoo the Flu” vaccination program.

As you probably know, the flu is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, on average, approximately 36,000 Americans die from influenza each year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. The best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting a seasonal flu shot every year, so why not get yours from the VNA? We provide low-cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations at clinic locations throughout Indian River and Brevard Counties. Our immunization clinics are held at local businesses, civic organizations, places of worship, social clubs, and homeowners’ associations from late September through mid-January.

There are a few changes this flu season about which you should be aware. First, you may remember that seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three strains of influenza. This year’s vaccine will protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, which caused the 2009 pandemic. (Last year because the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged after production began on the seasonal vaccine, two separate vaccines were needed to protect against seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus.) This year, only one vaccine is necessary.

Second, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that all people six months of age and older should get flu vaccine. This differs from past recommendations, which focused on vaccination of persons at increased risk for complications from influenza. Simply put, make plans now to get your seasonal flu vaccination.

This year, flu vaccinations will be $25 and pneumonia vaccinations $60. As in years past, there is no out-of-pocket expense for those who present their Medicare or Health First card at the time of immunization. The VNA will bill these insurances on your behalf.

To locate a “Shoo the Flu” clinic near you or to schedule a clinic for your organization, please visit www.vnatc.com, and click on “Shoo the Flu.”

VNA Today 7

Effective August 1, 2010 all newly hired associates, contract employees, and volunteers of the VNA will be required to undergo a “level two” security clearance screening before beginning employment. Previously, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) only required a “level one” screening. AHCA is the chief health policy and planning entity for the state of Florida. They are primarily responsible for the state’s $18 billion Medicaid program that serves over 2.7 million Floridians, the licensure of the state’s 41,000 health care facilities, and the sharing of health care data through the Florida Center for Health Information and Policy Analysis.

This change in legislation was recently passed in an effort to create uniform screening requirements and to increase the protection of patients and agencies that administer home health services in the state of Florida.

A level one background check is fairly straightforward. This form of background check takes the applicant’s basic information, (name, age, social security number, etc.), to search through the state of Florida criminal records. The term “background check” is often used interchangeably with “criminal history check.”

A level two background check is more strenuous and in-depth. It requires that the applicant also fill out a fingerprint card. This card is sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where the prints are compared against their database to search in criminal records both statewide and nationally.

The results of these background checks are what’s really important. There are certain crimes that will bar a person from working in the healthcare field in the state of Florida. Crimes such as fraud, identity theft, and forgery will disqualify persons from working in the healthcare field in the state.

“The law presents a financial and logistical challenge, but in the long run, provides added peace of mind to caregivers, parents, patients, and employers, knowing that a nationwide background check is performed, and the individual has no history of questionable background,” said Rosalie Webster, VNA Vice President of Human Resources.

Additionally, the VNA will have until July 31, 2015 to conduct level two background screenings on all existing associates, volunteers, and contract staff.

The VNA & Hospice Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the “VNA’s Hustle for Home Health and Hospice.”

Thank You For Your Support

Protecting Our Patients

Platinum sponsor

Gold Sponsors


Congratulations to…Susie Barstow, VNA Hospice Clinical Educator, recently completed a nationally recognized “train-the-trainers” course with the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). The focus of the course was to provide continuing education nurses, like Susie, with the latest information on end-of-life palliative care. Barstow is now able to provide in-service training to VNA nurses as well as nurses at local facilities and hospitals. Susie is also a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse.

Sonja Monroy, VNA Hospice House home health aide, recently passed her Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant exam. Test topics included: patient and family care, social and spiritual care, interdisciplinary team collaboration, and ethics, roles, and responsibilities of the nursing assistant in the end of life care setting. By obtaining this certification Sonja has demonstrated her dedication to excellence in this highly specialized field of care.

Let Us Help You Through Trying Times The VNA’s “COPES” program offers practical training and support to those caring for a sick loved one. The program is free of charge, and all are welcome to attend.

COPES Caregiver Support Group

First Thursday of every month 10:30 – 11:30 a.m

Third Thursday of every month 11:00 – 12:00 a.m

First Presbyterian Church1405 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian

VNA bereavement counselors offer guidance and support to individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Services are available free of charge to all Indian River County residents. All are welcome to attend.

Bereavement Support Group

Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Crossroads Christian Fellowship Hall10205 US Highway 1, SebastianThis is a general bereavement group

Wednesdays 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

our savior Lutheran Church1850 6th Avenue, Vero BeachThis is a general bereavement group

Thursdays 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

sebastian River Medical Center13695 US Highway 1, SebastianThis is a general bereavement group

Thursdays 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Community Church Library1901 23rd Street, Vero BeachThis group is for parents who are coping with the loss of a child

Susie Barstow

Saturday, October 16, 20109:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

LaPorte Farms7700 129th Street, Sebastian•Pony and Hay Rides•Pumpkin Painting•Crafts•Live Butterfly Release

Bereavement Day Campfor children who have experienced the death of a relative, loved one, or close friend.

For more information or to register, call Tracey Soethe at 772.978.5553

VNA Today 9

Dear Friends,

What seems to be only the blink of an eye to the founders of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast is a truly momentous occasion for Indian River County. We are currently celebrating thirty-five years of progressive and quality healthcare. Looking back to 1975, we fully understand the gravity of the founders’ actions. Their innovative thinking has benefitted our community by providing progressive and quality care. In the past thirty-five years we have grown from a staff of one nurse, to more than 500, not including our 400 volunteers. The VNA of the Treasure Coast continues to grow with your help, setting new standards for patients and caregivers needing home-based care, hospice, and community health services.

The superb hospice care given to my father led me to join the VNA Hospice Board in 1992. Subsequently, I served as a hospice board member and Chair, and then as the VNA Treasure Coast Board Chairman, and for the last four years as Co-Vice Chair of the Foundation Board.

I am honored to take over the role of VNA & Hospice Foundation Chairman, following in the footsteps of one remarkable founder, Ann Marie McCrystal. Her thirty-five years of commitment, and nineteen years of service as the Foundation Chairman, are a contagious inspiration to all of us to further the VNA’s mission with continued enthusiasm.

Charitable healthcare support is an increasing need. More Indian River County residents than ever are struggling to obtain the care they need but are unable to afford. As we look to the future, we are blessed to have you, our faithful donors, invested in the wellbeing of our community.

10 www.vnatc.com VNA Today 11

VNA Associates Give BackVNA associates have given an overwhelming $10,000 to the organization’s 2010 Annual Appeal. These donations help support charitable home health and hospice care in Indian River County, charitable home healthcare in Brevard County, and the VNA Associate Emergency Fund, which assists VNA associates experiencing hardship.

This generosity demonstrated by our associates, shows commitment to the agency and to the patients that we serve in our community. The VNA is more than a healthcare agency; we are a group of compassionate individuals, dedicated to providing the best personalized care to everyone in need. We care!

Thanks to You, We’re Celebrating 35 years

Make A GiftMake a gift to the VNA & Hospice Foundation now and keep the income for life with a charitable gift annuity!

This information is provided as an educational service only. Rates are subject to change. For one-life or two-lives specific rate information, contact Richard Johnson at the VNA & Hospice Foundation at 772.978.5574 or email [email protected]. For advice, contact your tax advisor.

Age of Annuitant 60 – 6970 – 7980 – 8990+

single Life Gift Annuity Payment Rates5.0 – 5.6%5.7 – 6.9%7.1 – 9.2%9.5%

Thank you for helping us make a difference yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Carol M. Kanarek

At least once a week a VNA nurse checks on Josh Finch’s IV, changes his bandages, inspects the catheter that runs from his arm to his heart, and draws blood for analysis.

Josh, twenty, a supermarket stock clerk without medical insurance, wants to work every day and live life normally, but a spine condition and a blood disorder are preventing that right now. Josh, who will need VNA services for about three months, is one of the many patients whose uninsured medical costs are being covered by the VNA & Hospice Foundation and the community’s generous support.

Nearly sixty percent of donations to the VNA go toward direct care for home health and hospice patients. Donations also offset operating expenses of the VNA Hospice House and help buy equipment and software like the agency’s new medical information computer system that is

streamlining patient care. Contributions also cover staff and volunteer training, wellness programs, bereavement programs, and services like blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

People can support the VNA in a variety of ways. They can give to the annual appeal, include the VNA in their estate, or participate in a charitable gift annuity in which the giver contributes cash or stock that the VNA invests and pays a fixed rate, based on age, to the donor. When the donor passes away, the balance of the annuity becomes available to the VNA for its general charitable purposes.

A memorial or honorarium is a fitting tribute to someone who has been cared for in the VNA’s Hospice program. Individuals, business or organizations can sponsor a Golf-A-Thon green or a tee, or donate a set amount of money for each hole the local golf pros play in the marathon spring event.

VNA Today 11

What Your Donations Accomplish

How your contribution helps:

• $150 pays for one nursing or physical therapy visit.

• $100 sends an elementary school-age child to Camp Chrysalis, a bereavement program for youngsters who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

• $1,000 funds nearly one year of service for a chronically ill patient using an in home telemonitor device that measures vital health indicators like blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, and weight. The computer sends the information to VNA headquarters where a nurse decides if the patient needs an immediate visit or other intervention.

*VNA accepts payment from Medicare/Medicaid, Private Pay, Private insurance, Workers’ Compensation and Veterans’ Assistance.

Mailing informationif you receive multiple mailings, would like to update your address, or would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 772.978.5546 or e-mail [email protected]

NON PROFiTORGANiZATiONU.S. POSTAGE

VERO BEACH, FLPERMiT #240

PAID

1110 35th Lane • Vero Beach, FL • 32960www.vnatc.com

Medicare Certified • License #HHA21276095/HPC5038096/HHA299991281 • Hospice License issued in 1986

GAT RecapThe VNA’s 20th Anniversary Golf-A-Thon, held on May 3rd at the beautiful Moorings Club, raised an astounding $200,500 for charitable hospice and home healthcare! Twelve golf pros played 135 holes, finishing the last seven in a competitive shoot-out. One hundred volunteers from local clubs worked tirelessly driving carts, repairing divots, raking bunkers, and making sure the pros had plenty of nourishment to make it through the day. Thank you for your part in making this 20th anniversary golf-a-thon a huge success!

Golf-A-Thon Pros: (from left to right) Rich Waage, Orchid island; Pat Gorman, Bent Pine; Frank Mentzer, Grand Harbor; Tom Thornton, The Moorings Club; Jason Berchtold, playing for Tom Thornton; Larry Rinker, Riomar; Randy Hedgecock, Vero Beach County Club; Don Meadows, Quail Valley; Joe Kern, indian River Club; Patrick Berry, John’s island; Phil Leddy, Hawk’s Nest; Mark Cammarene, The Club at Pointe West; Matthew Challenor, Windsor

Advantage HR ServicesAvanzareBankok in DowntownBecker Holding CorporationBecker Trading Co.Bobby’s RestaurantBono’sBouchard insuranceCapt Hiram’s ResortCarrabba’s italian GrillChelsea’s on CardinalClassic Awards and PromotionsCosta d’EsteCroom ConstructionCutter & BuckDisney’s Vero Beach ResortDockside Grille

Donadio & Associates Architects, P.A.Gould Cooksey Fennell, P.A.HBS inc. Windows, DoorsHealthSouth Treasure Coast Rehabilitation HospitalHoly Cross Catholic Churchitalian Grill RestaurantJetson Appliance CenterJohn’s island Real Estate Co.Jungle ClubKelley’s irish Pub & DeliKidz Closet of Vero BeachKilwin’sKool StuffLane Bryant OutletAesthetic Dermatology CenterMaison Martinique

Majestic 11 by Cinema WorldMama Mia’sMelody inn RestaurantMimmo’s Scampi GrillOcean GrillOstrom GroupPanera BreadPatti’s BistroPearlPerkins Medical SupplyPizzoodle’sPomodoro GrillPremier Estate PropertiesRiver GrilleSam’s ClubSeacoast National BankSnyder Plumbing

State Farm insuranceStorage SolutionsSurf Club HotelT&L Nails & SpaTangos iiThe Berghorst FoundationThe Club at Pointe WestThe Hill GroupThe Lemon TreeThe Mooring Realty Sales CompanyThe UPS Store #3214Vero Beach Book CenterVero Beach Country ClubVero Beach Hotel & SpaVero Marine CenterVincent’s Restaurant

20th Anniversary Golf-A-Thon Corporate Sponsors

VNA Today Vol 25 No 3

Documents