Our mothers taught us to always think of others and put the needs of others first. This may sound strange, but it’s OK to put yourself first! If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t be fully present to care for others. Write a prescription for your well-being. Consider the things you enjoy and tailor activities to meet your…
Born and raised in Clarksville, TN, Elizabeth Armstrong is no stranger to death. After all, she grew up in a funeral home, which was the family business. She chuckled through a sweet southern accent, “We had a flower shop and ambulance service, when someone died, people came to us because we were a one stop shop.” After three marriages and…
Hailing from New Jersey, Naomi Lane is a snowbird who has a love of travel and like most, had plans to travel abroad this year. But also, like everyone else, her plans were derailed by COVID-19. “I was supposed to travel to Japan this summer,” Naomi chuckled. “The pandemic changed a lot.” Life also took an additional unexpected turn when…
Mahatma Gandhi said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” As we age, we begin to realize the importance of living well. We learn to appreciate finding balance and developing a way of life that enriches our mind, spirit and body. Emotional well-being is a matter of finding that which brings us…
When Jason Venazio started working as a chef at VNA Hospice House, he realized quickly, it’s wasn’t a job, it was a passion. Coming from hotel and restaurant management, he’ll tell you, “It means so much to be here at VNA Hospice House. I know what I do really makes a difference.” Being a chef means anticipating and meeting…
When we’re faced with circumstances beyond our control, when our lives have changed and we feel everything is upside down, we need someone who understands, who can help us navigate through the storm. There is hope, help and there is guidance. March is National Social Work month and we want to thank you, the men and women, who are…
There is no right or wrong way to say farewell or grieve. The goal is to avoid regret and remorse; to manage what we can and let go of what is beyond our control. And when a loved one passes, to realize you are not alone, especially with the assistance of VNA hospice. From bereavement counselors to support groups, VNA…
Everyone participates in New Year’s resolutions. What are some good resolutions for seniors? New Year’s resolutions are a good way of incorporating good habits into our daily lives. For seniors, it’s an opportunity to promote healthy living. Here are some ideas of resolutions to help seniors improve the quality of life. Resolution #1 – Create a safer home environment Falls…
Abaco Binkley, an Advance Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) for VNA, recently received her Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner certification. She is now one of only 1,000 individuals nationwide to earn this certification. An integral part of the advance care planning team, she helps patients understand all the options available to them for their care, including hospice care,…
Sara Bumgarner, VNA volunteer manager, has been recently been awarded the credential, Certified in Volunteer Administration, it entitles her to use the designation (CVA). This certification is the only internationally recognized credential in the field and is valid for a 5-year period before renewal. Sara discussed the impact of this certification, “The CVA requirements for continuing education not only expand educational…