November is Home Care & Hospice Month

October 27, 2023

Public Invited to Open House at VNHCH Headquarters on November 8

November is Home Care & Hospice Month. Every year, the home care and hospice community honors the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our healthcare system and in homes across the nation. 

Right here in the Mt. Washington Valley, Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) seeks to recognize and celebrate the many people in our community  — from administrators to clinicians to social workers and volunteers — who bring the best health care in the world into the homes of the most vulnerable patients. They make an everlasting impact on the lives of the patients and families they serve.  To mark this healthcare recognition month, VNHCH welcomes community members to an open house at the agency offices on November 8 from 4-7pm at 1529 White Mountain Highway, North Conway, NH.

The event will introduce visitors to the VNHCH staff, leadership and trustees, the hard-working professionals and volunteers who make these critical home-based services possible. Thanks to the generosity of a VNHCH board member, catered hors-d’oeuvres and light refreshments will be served at the event, making it a perfect stop after a busy day at the office or with family. 

Home care services are more important than ever due to demographic shifts and an older population, especially in New Hampshire and Maine which lead the nation in terms of average age. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2022, a third of the states in the country had a median age above 40.0, led by Maine with the highest at 44.8, and New Hampshire at 43.3. 

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the need for health care will continue to rise, and costs will continue to skyrocket. This is where home care and hospice come in. As the preferred choice for most patients, it also offers the greatest cost savings. For example, Medicare pays nearly $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay and $450 per day for a typical nursing home stay. Meanwhile, home care costs less than $100 a day and helps many U.S. seniors remain independent at home, enrich their lives, and keep in touch with those they love.

Executive Director Sandy Ruka stated, “We count on the generosity of our community members to provide these invaluable services. Some offerings like palliative care are not covered by insurance and are offered at no charge regardless of ability to pay. We’ve also been able to expand our hospice program significantly over the last few years as demand for that care has grown. We hope to see many people stop by our Open House on November 8 to learn more about our services and consider making a donation to help us continue our good work.”

Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization licensed by the States of New Hampshire and Maine, a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency and a Medicare Certified Hospice. Their services include:

REHABILITATIVE SERVICES – Skilled rehabilitative services are provided by physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy staff. Whether you are recovering from joint replacement surgery, a stroke, or other related medical problems, we’re here for you.

SKILLED NURSING CARE – Most people prefer the comfort of home while recovering from an illness or injury, or coping with one or more chronic conditions. VNHCH skilled nursing staff provides services in the home to restore and maintain the maximum level of function and health.

LONG TERM CARE – Long term care is provided by Licensed Nursing Assistants, homemakers and nurses. They help with daily living activities and provide “hands-on” personal care services.

PALLIATIVE CARE – Our palliative care program has a goal to serve chronically or terminally ill members of the community. Palliative care is individual and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering.

HOSPICE – An interdisciplinary hospice team works collaboratively to support individuals and their loved ones in the end-of-life experience. 
For more information on VNHCH visit them online at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006.