June 13, 2019

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- Peter Lake was a world traveler and high-tech worker, born and raised in Massachusetts. His travels took him to faraway places, including Russia, China, Australia and Malaysia. Now there is no place like home for this 67-year-old resident of Conway, NH, who is able to live independently despite serious chronic health issues, thanks to the support of Licensed Nursing Assistants. These professionals work through Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine and help hundreds of community members stay in their homes and receive life-saving and sustaining care. VNHCH hopes to build awareness for this vital service during National Nursing Assistants Week.

National Nursing Assistants Week, taking place June 13-20, is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of Nursing Assistants -  LNAs (Licensed Nursing Assistants) and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). Much of VNHCH’s patient care is provided by these dedicated professionals.

Peter Lake, who inherited a degenerative eye disease, welcomed visitors to his tidy apartment in Conway Village recently to talk about the care he receives from these professionals, who he describes as lifesavers They come to his home 2-3 times a week to give personal care, shop for groceries and help with homemaking.  Audrey Russell, LNA is his primary home health aid. “She’s an angel, that one. When she’s done with medical stuff, she moves on to the kitchen. She is one hell of a hard worker.”

Audrey Russell explained how she got into this line of work. “Originally when I first started I answered an ad to care for the elderly as a homemaker. I always liked working with older people and helping people out. I took the LNA class and enjoyed it and have been doing it ever since. It’s been almost 32 years!”

When asked what she likes about her job, she explains that it’s about the personal interactions with those she cares for. “I definitely enjoy the conversations. We get talking about current events, things going on, growing up here, how things used to be in the town. I was born at Memorial Hospital and was brought up here. I listen if they’ve got something going on with a family member, being a sounding board. Not everyone has someone to talk to. It’s more than just a job. You have to like people, and appreciate who they are, and to be a giving person.”

Peter explained the role Audrey plays in his life, "I’ve been receiving services for six years. She gives me my independence. I am legally blind.” His vision is compromised to the point that he uses a large-screen TV that doubles as his computer monitor, which lets him stay in touch with friends around the world.

“They run to the store for me, help me get my medications and help manage my diabetes. But more than that, they saved my life. Two years ago I had pneumonia. When they arrived, they found me on the floor. Without these nursing assistants, I wouldn't be here now.”

While much of their work with clients is clinical in nature, it also plays a crucial role in the emotional health and social aspects of care. Peter shared, “It’s nice to have a good laugh. It breaks up the day.”

Peter described how his mother, who inherited the same type of blindness, ended up in an assisted living home, an outcome he is not ready for. He loves the self-sufficiency and choices his own home gives him, whether it’s watching a late-night TV show or having guests visit or stay overnight. He described his blindness as a “hit to my psyche” and he is glad to be able to remain independent.

Peter wants others in the community to know about the amazing care he receives at home through VNHCH. “Quality of life can be helped by (these services). In the long run, it’s cheaper than assisted living. Others should know these services are available. More people should ask. It can help so many. It’s nice to have someone go through my mail with me, have a nice conversation and a laugh. Everyone needs a laugh now and again!”

Audrey concurred, “A lot of times, unless people end up in the hospital, they are not aware of the services. People don’t always know what’s available or tuned into it. We all work together to try to keep everyone in their home.  People thrive better in their own home.”

VNHCH Executive Director Sandy Ruka understands the value that LNAs give to their clients. “The reward of easing pain and helping with daily tasks is highly motivating for LNAs. They are committed to caring for others … what an amazing calling in life.”

VNHCH provides training and support for their nursing assistants, a benefit that is appreciated by their staff. Audrey added, “VNHCH is a great resource for me. We have training for different aspects of the job. We just had an in-service for diabetes and oxygen. Everyone in the office is great, there is always someone to call if you have a problem or a question. You are never alone.”

For more information on VNHCH, visit them online at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006. For more information on National Nursing Assistants Week, go online to https://tinyurl.com/y5x8cult .

May 30, 2019

NORTH CONWAY, NH --  Can you imagine death and dying as a beautiful and peaceful event that is a natural part of life? Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County wants you to know that it’s not only possible but can be a likely outcome with thoughtful advance care planning. This topic will be the focus of a special event they are hosting on June 11, 2019, as they welcome author and speaker Kimberly Paul, who specializes in helping people feel more comfortable talking about living well and dying well.

This free event will take place at Zip’s Pub at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH. Doors open at 5pm for registration check in and the event will run from 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Dinner will be served. Kimberly C. Paul will share her philosophy about the “death positive movement,” her “Live Well, Die Well” podcasts and new book, “Bridging the Gap - Life Lessons from Dying.”

VNHCH Advance Care Planning Liaison Ashlee Chaine, explained the importance of bringing this event to the Valley. “This is part of our ongoing work around advance care planning.. Recently a family member of a patient came to the office and said “I never thought death could be beautiful and I never thought she could die at home and both of these happened”. We want to help our community members have less uncomfortable feelings around death with advance planning and healthy conversations.”

Sandy Ruka, Executive Director of VNHCHadded, “We plan for babies, college and buying a house, but it’s still taboo to talk about planning for the rest of your life. This workshop with Kimberly will help us have these conversations in a safe and welcoming forum.”

To help facilitate these conversations, Chaine explained that they encourage people to sign up for the event in pairs or couples. Each pair will receive two free copies of “Bridging the Gap.” Additional copies will be available for sale as well. Advance registration is required, you can register by visiting VNHCH.org and clicking on the “Live Well Die Well Tour” image in the top right corner or by calling (603) 356-7006 x39. Admission will be capped at 50.

Kimberly C. Paul chose to leave her dream job in television and film to discover the authentic stories at the bedside of the dying. Working for hospice was supposed to only be a temporary job but ultimately spread over 17 years and ultimately lead to her true calling. It lead to unexpected and bold intentions to become one of the leaders in the death positive movement happening in the United States today.

She created a podcast, Death by Design, that hosts industry leaders in medicine as well as artists, designers, caregivers and authors who are reclaiming their voice around their own

experiences with death and dying. Each conversation is meant to inspire others to engage in difficult conversations around their own deaths, actively make decisions about how and where they want to die and begin to change the taboo subject of death and dying into the ultimate gift of connection with family and friends. Death by Design Podcast is in its 2nd season and continues to normalize difficult conversations, discover ordinary individuals making extraordinary differences in their local communities and highlight people who are developing new ways to assist the Baby Boomers as they design their own end of life.

Paul seeks to connect with people and communities, and share how she learned to live life boldly at the bedside of hospice patients.

The Live Well Die Well is supported by over 20 sponsors including Cabot Cheese, My Last Soundtrack, INEDLA, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, POLST Paradigm and many more who support community education in an effort to empower individuals to reclaim death as a human experience and not a medical event. You can follow the tour at www.livewelldiewelltour.com.

The event is co-hosted by Memorial Hospital. For more information on VNHCH visit them online at www.VNHCH.org.

May 9, 2019

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- The nurses were gathering in the Maryellen LaRoche Great Room  at the headquarters of Visiting Nurses Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County (VNHCH)  in North Conway, NH for their twice monthly meeting. The nurses shared their perceptions of the nursing profession and what drew them into this line of work. The setting was appropriate as Maryellen LaRoche, who passed away in 2009, was a mentor and an inspiration for many nurses in Mount Washington Valley over the years. Her commitment to patients and the nursing profession was echoed by the nurses who have followed in her footsteps, as they reflected on National Nurses Week, which is being celebrated by VNHCH starting May 6 and ending May 12,  Florence Nightingale's birthday.

The nurses represented a diversity of experiences. The newest had joined the organization just a few months previous. Others had decades of experience. Almost all provide direct patient care either as a case manager (responsible for overseeing and providing care to a group of assigned patients) or assist the nurse case managers in providing care.  Common themes came out of their discussion, that they were committed to their profession due to a hard-wired desire to help people and educate them about their health and their own care.

No matter how long each nurse had been practicing, they all shared the need to have work with meaning. Lisa Whitney, who became a nurse in 2013, shared, “I wanted to help people. I wanted a purpose. At my last job, I was making money for other people but I wanted to do something for others.”

Fellow nurse Kate Milbury added, “I’ve been a nurse for 42 years and it’s been a privilege. I’ve done everything from hospice to acute care. Every job has been an honor to be part of another human’s care. It’s been a rewarding career and I’d do it all again.”

Other positive comments about being a visiting nurse included helping people be in their homes and to recover in an environment where they are comfortable; and contributing to your community in a meaningful way.

Visiting nurses also provide hospice care, an especially meaningful service provided by VNHCH.  Whitney said, “Hospice is rewarding, helping families provide care and deal with grief. They are very appreciative with all the support they get from our team.” Hospice is a specialty where nursing helps not only the patient but the entire family.

After sharing what is attractive about the nursing profession, the group also quickly agreed on what is most challenging… documentation. VNHCH Executive Director Sandy Ruka, RN, shared that sentiment. “If nurses could do what they came into nursing for, that would be great.  Documentation is time consuming. Regulations, although well intended, can be burdensome in a variety of ways.”

But despite the challenges, nurses never forget the real focus of their job, helping people. Maureen Smith, RN, stated that her most important role is that of teacher. “I like working with people as they learn about their disease and help develop a sense of empowerment as they take care of themselves.  Nurses are teachers. The second you arrive at someone’s home, as you walk through the doorway, you ask how they are doing but you are really assessing what they need. It’s interwoven. It’s not always recognized by the patient and families, it’s just ingrained in what we do, we teach.”

Paula Brown, RN agreed. “When you review medications with patients, they may say they are familiar with their medications, but when you ask more questions you realize that the patient and family may not understand their medications. So by talking and teaching about medications the patient and family develop a better understanding of why they are taking them.”

The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. Compounding the problem is the fact that nursing schools across the country are struggling to expand capacity to meet the rising demand for care given the national move toward healthcare reform. Despite this, this roomful of nurses were eager to share their advice for those wishing to enter the profession. Their advice was simple.  Get some good supportive shoes, and find a good mentor.

That mentorship piece was also cited by VNHCH Trustee, Sue Ruka, RN, PhD.  She attributed much of her success to her mentor and the namesake of the meeting place of these nurses, Maryellen Laroche. Ruka said, “Maryellen was a great mentor to me and Sandy, encouraging us to look at the big picture and outside the walls of the hospital. She was one of the first grads of the Boston College combined master program (nurse practitioner and clinical specialist). She was the person who led me into aging work and helped me see the value of working with seniors.”

National Nurses Week is a time for everyone – individuals, employers, other health care professionals, community leaders, and nurses – to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses.  VNHCH encourages the community to thank their nurses during National Nurses Week, and every day, for their commitment to the care of our friends and neighbors. For more information on VNHCH, call 603-356-7006 or visit them online at www.vnhch.org.

April 18, 2019

By Kathy Bennett

NORTH CONWAY, NH - Sharon Malenfant of Tamworth, NH, was just 65 years old when she developed puzzling symptoms that her doctors were challenged to diagnose initially. First, she went to a Ear, Nose and Throat doctor as her symptoms involved her sinuses. Then troubling issues with her eyes brought her to an Opthamologist. While she was hopeful the problem was a chronic sinus  infection or nerve disorder, a visit to an Oncologist lead to the real diagnosis - lymphoma. Sharon fought hard to beat the cancer, undergoing treatments including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. But she also ensured that her friends and family understood her preferences for end of life care by completing advance care planning years earlier. By selecting a team of family and friends to make decisions for her, she was able to safeguard that her wishes were respected, and her caregivers felt they made the right decisions for her.

According to the National Institute on Aging, advance care planning is not just about old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave a person too ill to make healthcare decisions. Planning for health care in the future is an important step toward making sure you get the medical care you would want, if you are unable to speak for yourself and doctors and family members are making the decisions for you.

Sharon was relatively young to be facing a terminal illness. After years of caring for her husband, who had died two years earlier from an ALS-like disease, she was just moving forward with her life, planning to travel and enjoy retirement. But as someone who had worked in healthcare for much of her career, as Vice President of Community Relations at Memorial Hospital in North Conway, NH,  she was familiar with advance care planning and the importance of letting your wishes be known before illness strikes. In fact, she had advocated for the concept of advance care planning in her community and facilitated training to educate healthcare professionals in its use 25 years earlier.

Without a spouse or family nearby, Sharon was fortunate to have close friends to rely on.  In addition to two family members from out of state, Sharon named Sue Ruka, RN, PhD and Sandy Ruka, RN, MS as her Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), to make healthcare decisions for her should she become disabled.

Sharon had asked Sue years ago to be her Power of Attorney after the untimely cancer death of a mutual friend. She wasn’t sure if her husband would be around due to his illness.

Sue stated, “The key part and what makes her story unique is that she did not have that significant other that knew what she wanted. We all realized that none of us knew her in totality. She was really wise in that she chose a team of friends and family. She was a single woman, fairly isolated for many years, a very private person, very bright and articulate. The care team she selected to make her decisions included her cousin, 17 years younger and living on the west coast, as well as her sister in law in Rhode Island. Then Sandy and I had her healthcare proxy, given our background as nurses. If any one of us had been designated on her own, we would not have been able to give her the end of life possible given the complexity of her illness. Choosing me and Sandy, we were able to explain the situation to the family. But we wouldn’t have wanted to make those decisions that came to bear without family input.”

Sharon’s story brings to light a little known aspect of Advance Care Planning - that you can include multiple people with different roles to ensure your wishes are respected.

Another point Sue emphasizes is the need for good communication in advance so everyone knows what you want. “At one point, I had to make a decision about treating pneumonia. I was able to talk to her provider, and her family, and we collectively decided to forego antibiotics. This is what made her situation unique. She died in the end, but we all felt that we worked as a team and the right decisions were made. Talk to people about what you want. Have better conversations.”

A recommended tool to get those conversations started is the “Go Wish” card deck. Sue explained, “Many people say ‘I know what I don’t want’ but there’s a lot of other things, other than ‘not being on a machine’ or ‘not being brain dead.’  One card is ‘I want my family to be at peace with each other’ or ‘I don’t want to be a burden.’ But what does that mean? A financial burden? A care burden? It’s a lot of decisions.”

In considering treatment decisions, your personal values are key. Is your main desire to have the most days of life? Or, would your focus be on quality of life, as you see it? What if an illness leaves you paralyzed or in a permanent coma and you need to be on a ventilator? Would you want that? You can use the “Go Wish” cards to help define what’s right for you.

The “Go Wish” cards are sold in the gift shop at Memorial Hospital, or can be purchased online at http://www.gowish.org/.

How to Get Started

According to the National Institute on Aging, it might help to talk with your doctor about how your current health conditions might influence your health in the future. For example, what decisions would you or your family face if your high blood pressure leads to a stroke? You can ask your doctor to help you understand and think through your choices before you put them in writing. Medicare or private health insurance may cover advance care planning discussions with your doctor.

If you don't have any medical issues now, your family medical history might be a clue to help you think about the future. Talk with your doctor about decisions that might come up if you develop health problems similar to those of other family members.

Local Resources for Advance Care Planning

Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County provides free advance care directives to community members at their offices and at other locations around the Valley. Call 603-356-7006 for more information. Getting Advance Care Directives completed is a relatively simple process and can be done at no cost. The important part of completing an Advance Directive is the conversation that happens as a result of the process of completing the directive. Trained facilitators are skilled at encouraging conversations about what what care and treatment may be desired but many other variables that can be discussed and decisions made. It is important to remember that a health issue can happen at any time and at any age.

For more information about VNHCH services, visit the website at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171.

March 28, 2019

NORTH CONWAY, NH - Death is as much a part of life as birth, but in the workplace, the topic of death and dying is not often discussed. Yet it is as much of an issue for employers to address as any other part of life that impacts their employees. That’s why Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County is focusing their National Healthcare Decisions Day efforts this year on outreach to area businesses and employees to raise awareness on the importance of advance care directives.

Taking place on April 16, 2019, National Healthcare Decisions Day exists to inspire, educate, and empower the public and providers around the importance of advance care planning.  It is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes and for healthcare  providers to respect those wishes, whatever they may be.

Brent Pawlecki, MD, former corporate medical director for Pitney Bowes, a 35,000 employee company, wrote a landmark article on end of life issues in the workplace in 2006. He noted that one of the most important services employers can offer is education, knowledge and access to reputable and trusted resources and tools that can help employees manage and cope with end of-life issues. One key tool for employers to promote is an advance directive, a legal document outlining an individual's end-of-life preferences.

Executive Director Sandy Ruka explained how end of life issues impact businesses. “When employees take time off to care for loved ones or are diagnosed with a terminal illness, this can lead to absenteeism, depression and other related stresses. With approximately 25 percent of benefit expenses paid during the last year of life, these realities can create a resultant financial and human toll for employers since employees may be involved with caring for a family member. By partnering with local businesses, we hope to make it easier for their employees to learn about the importance of advance care directives. It benefits both the business and the employee in the long run.”

The following locations join an expanding list of community supporters, that will host displays and other information available on April 16 about advance care directives:

Madison Library

Jackson Library

North Conway Library 

Cook Memorial Library

Eaton Village Store

The Met

Shaw’s (North Conway)

The Other Store

Kenneth A. Brett School

Moultonborough Academy

 Moultonborough Central School

Bear Camp Valley School and Children’s Center

It is not too late for other businesses and other organizations to get involved. Anyone wishing to have a display at their location are welcome to call VNHCH at 603-356-7006  to be part of the day.

Ruka added, “Anyone over the age of 18 should have advance directives in place. Anything can happen. Someone could make a decision you don’t want.”

“When you're young, you may not know what medical treatments you want, but you may be certain about who you want to make those decisions. If you're in your 70s or you have a serious illness and you know the course it is going to take, you may put in more detail.”

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning is making decisions about the care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These are your decisions to make, regardless of what you choose for your care, and the decisions are based on your personal values, preferences, and discussions with friends and family.

Advance care planning involves having a conversation with your loved ones about your preferences, and then documenting them with a document called an Advance Directive. In order to complete an Advance Directive you must identify the types of treatments you want and don't want at the end of your life. It's comprised of your Living Will and Health Care Proxy.

A Living Will details the types of medical treatments you would like or not like at the end of life, specifically in terms of life-support treatments.

A Health Care Proxy is someone who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are no longer be able to make your own decisions.

Can’t make it on April 16? VNHCH provides free advance care directives to community members at their offices and at other locations around the Valley. Call 603-356-7006 for more information. Getting Advance Care Directives completed is free and can be done at no cost.

For more information on National Healthcare Decisions Day, go to https://www.nhdd.org.

For more information about VNHCH services, visit the website at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171.

Feb 2, 2019

By Sandy Ruka, Executive Director - Visiting Nurse Homecare & Hospice of Carroll County

North Conway, NH -- Is the thought of starting an exercise or healthy eating plan overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. You might be surprised to learn how much you can do in the comfort of your own home, regardless of your age, fitness level or health status. February is American Heart Month, so we’d like to share with you some little steps you can take to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, the underlying cause of 1 out of 3 deaths, according to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

As a home healthcare agency, our job is to help people remain at home as they recover or rehabilitate from an illness or injury. As such, we serve home people in their homes, and see first hand that not everyone has the ability to leave the house to get exercise.

The American Heart Association (AHA)  reports that over 26% of adults do not engage in leisure time physical activity, yet remaining active is one of the best ways to achieve heart health. Physical activity is one of the AHA’s “Simple 7,” key health behaviors that impact cardiovascular health: not-smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, body weight, and control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Try to incorporate extra movement into your day. Rock in a rocking chair. Sit in a chair and pump your legs. Do laps around the dining room table. Use water bottles or canned food to lift “weights.” Vacuum the carpet. 30 minutes of light housework can equal walking a mile. Do that every day and you’ll amass hundreds of miles a year -- all without the leaving the house!

Another “Simple 7” behavior to address involves a healthy diet. Prepare a list for grocery shopping and focus on healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. Avoid canned vegetables and buy frozen instead for lower sodium levels. When it comes to your heart, what you eat matters:

• Eat less saturated fats. Cut back on fatty meats, high-fat dairy, cakes, cookies, and butter. This includes pizza, burgers, and foods with creamy sauce or gravy.

• Cut down on sodium (salt). Read the Nutrition Facts label and choose foods that are lower in sodium. Look for the low-sodium or “no salt added” types of canned soups, vegetables, packaged meals, snack foods, and lunch meats.

• Get more fiber. Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to add fiber to your diet.

Do you have a friend or loved one who needs encouragement? Lots of people struggle to get enough physical activity and eat well. If someone you care about is having a hard time getting active and eating well, you can help. Suggest activities you can do together, such as taking a walk after dinner or before breakfast, doing stretches or choosing a new activity to do together. Most of all, be understanding. What are your loved one’s reasons for not being more active? Maybe he or she feels overwhelmed or embarrassed. Ask what you can do to be supportive. Know that change takes time, and that some physical activity is better than none! Celebrate small successes and point out positive choices.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Little steps in the right direction add up to a healthier heart. In closing, remember these tips from the AHA:

• Watch your weight.

• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.

• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Get active and eat healthy.

Keep these in mind this February, Heart Health Month!

12/28/2018

NORTH CONWAY, NH - The loss of a loved one is a life altering event. But thanks to the Living with Loss Support Group offered by Visiting Nurse, Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine, those who are grieving the death of a spouse, parent or other loved one can find a way forward. The group runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday on a six weeks on, two weeks off schedule, taking place at the Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice offices at 1529 White Mountain Highway on Route 16 in North Conway. The next session begins on Wed., January 2, 2019. The Living with Loss Support Group is facilitated by Sue Davidson and Linda Derse who bring very different perspectives to the group. Sue is Chaplain for Hospice and Linda’s husband passed away three years ago and found hope by coming to the group in her time of need. Pastor and survivor, together they co-host the group in a way to brings people together, and all benefit from peer support. Sue begins by describing what the group is not. “It is not a class, a lecture or counseling. It is peer support. It’s a safe and confidential place where you are not the only one in that place. You don’t ever get over it. You live in it, and then you live through it. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.You can’t compare your journey.This is where support comes in.There are no stages or phases.” 

Linda joined the group a few months after the loss of her husband. “At first, all I could do was cry. But after time, I heard how others were living after a loss. I clung to that hope.”

“It’s a life altering event. Everything changed. Learning to live was a big challenge. After a year and a half coming to the group, I had enough tools to know how to move forward.” Having gained so much insight about the grieving process and wanting to give back, Linda decided to volunteer her time to help others by co-hosting the group.

How frequently someone comes to the group, or how long, is entirely up to the individual.  Sue added, “Some people come and go. Some people participate for a longer or shorter time. It is not a series or a class. It’s an open group. It’s OK to come once just to try it out.” There is no cost to attend and no referral is necessary. The size of the group varies but there can be 10 or more people at any given session. Linda shared, “People are at different points of their journey. It gives a different perspective on any given day.”

“Early grief is profound and sharp. A month or two down the road, everyone has moved on. That’s where a support group is helpful. It’s a chance to be validated. Having someone able to tell you ‘I know exactly how you feel’ is important. It’s real, and it’s true. Peer support is so helpful.”

Both Sue and Linda women emphasized that people can find the group helpful no matter where they are in their journey of grief. Sue said, “We’ve had folks five years out experience another loss, and it brings you back to a time of sadness. The holidays or other anniversaries or special dates, like the new year, can be difficult. Having a group for support helps move you on.”

Linda agreed with this concept, adding, “Grief is the least linear thing you know. You can spiral down. Peer support helps you through that time. It is often ‘two steps forward, one step back.’”

Sue shared, “I am often asked ‘How can you talk about loss week after week?’ But the blessing is to know people care enough about each other that they want to be together.”'

To confirm dates and times, or for more information, contact VNHCH at 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171.

UPCOMING SESSIONS

Anyone is welcome to attend and can start at any time. All groups meet from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice offices.  

January 2—February 6, 2019

February 27—April 3, 2019

April 24—May 29, 2019

June 19—July 24, 2019

11/8/2018

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- During November, Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine honor the many nurses, home health aides, therapists, social workers, chaplains, and homemakers 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 Valley. To recognize their efforts, we ask our community to commemorate the power of caring and join with VNHCH and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) by celebrating November as Home Care and Hospice Month.

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, including an increasingly aged population here in Mt. Washington Valley, the need for health care will continue to rise, and costs will continue to skyrocket. This is where home care comes 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 seniors remain independent at home, enrich their lives, and keep in touch with those they love, including their pets.

Executive Director Sandy Ruka stated, “We provide a wide range of services in the home including skilled nursing and wound care, homemaker and home health aides, long term care, medical social services, hospice and palliative care.”

“We believe that home health care is an essential part of today's health care continuum. We have the knowledge and skills to help people remain at home as they recover or rehabilitate from an illness or injury, and to age in place in their community. We ask our community to take a moment to reflect on the value of home care and hospice and to thank our team members who bring these vital services to their homes.”

Ruka also took time to explain the definition of hospice care. “Hospice is focused on caring for the whole person, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of both client and family. We provide this care with an interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers who use their combined knowledge and skills to support an individual and their family in the end-of-life experience.”

Sandy added, “Hospice programs make it possible for people to spend the final time of their lives at home with support from physicians, nurses, spiritual caregivers, social workers, home health aides and volunteers.”

Hospice is available to those who not only have a diagnosis of cancer, but many other chronic terminal illnesses including lung disease, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions. The individual should have a desire to remain at home for end-of-life care and have caregivers available. Hospice staff makes regular visits to the individual at home, and are available on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.

For more information about Home Care & Hospice Month, visit the National Association for Home Care & Hospice at www.NAHC.org. For more information on Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine, visit them online at www.vnhch.org or call (603) 356-7006.

10/11/2018

NORTH CONWAY, NH - Visiting Nurse Homecare and Hospice is well known for their nursing care. But did you know that they also offer in their in-home physical therapy to help patients recover from all sorts of accidents, illnesses and surgeries. That’s why they’re taking time to thank and recognize their physical therapists this month, as October is Physical Therapy Month.

Physical therapists play a unique role in home care. They act as a healthcare provider, trainer and motivator…constantly working to keep clients safe from injury while also improving function and quality of life. Physical therapy is great at restoring mobility, flexibility, balance and coordination.

Doris Kirk of Glen, NH learned first-hand the value of in-home physical therapy when she was recovering from two separate total knee replacements, one in 2015 and the second in 2017. Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Doug Taylor at Memorial Hospital performed both surgeries, and physical therapist Pam Breault-Simpson helped her recover from both with physical therapy in the home.

Doris recounted, “I had a great experience with Pam Breault-Simpson. She was professional, considerate and likeable. In addition she really knows what she is doing. Pam made a significant difference in both my recoveries.  I looked forward to having her come to the house. I can’t imagine what it would’ve been like to have to leave the house for physical therapy after the knee replacement surgery. I’m so happy they offer this service locally.”

While many experience physical therapy in a gym-like setting, patients like Doris emphasize the value of therapy in the home. “There is nothing like home. It’s the only way to go. Pam worked with me throughout my house- in bed, standing in the hall holding on to bannisters, on my own stairs, in my own rooms. It was a benefit doing it in the home.”

Physical therapist Pam Breault-Simpson stated “I like working in the patient’s home as you address their needs in the home setting. I ask ‘what would you like to accomplish.’ I gear my goals towards what they want to do, regaining independence in- getting in and out of bed, up and down the stairs, in and out of the shower. I had a gentleman recently who had a goal to plant flowers, so we worked outside, digging a hole, dragging a garden hose and walking on uneven soil. This further challenged his strength, balance and endurance. We can incorporate what we focus on and what is important to the patient in the home environment.”

With a joint replacement patient such as Doris Kirk, the therapist provides a crucial second set of eyes after a surgery.  A physical therapist will monitor surgical incisions and help with pain management and be the go between the patient and doctor.  No one wants to bother the doctor! So we are a good resource for the patients and families when they get home to answer questions and provide ongoing support and resources. There are a lot of benefits!”

Pam is one of five therapists at VNHCH, the others being Angela Nelson, Marie Olson, Jeff Rothen and Howard Stanten.

VNHCH Executive Director Sandy Ruka emphasized the importance of physical therapists to their mission of providing home care to the community of Carroll County and western Maine.  “Whether the aim is simply to regain flexibility, alleviate discomfort or to relearn major motor functions, a qualified therapist is required to develop a plan and keep patients safe through this sometimes painful process. Therapists are not only extending the lives of their patients, but they are helping them live more enjoyable lives as well. We are so grateful to our team of physical therapists as we celebrate them this month and every month!”

For more information about VNHCH, visit them online at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006 to find out how to access physical therapy services at home.

06/08/2018

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- National Nursing Assistants Week, June 10-June 17, is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of Nursing Assistants -  LNAs (Licensed Nursing Assistants) and CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants). With much of its patient care provided by these compassionate and dedicated professionals, Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice sees it as a chance to highlight these caregivers and how much they mean to the patients and families they provide care to.

VNHCH Executive Director Sandy Ruka took some time to explain the role of the nursing assistant, a little understood but incredibly valuable part of her team. “Nursing Assistants may go by different names depending on where they work and in which state they are licensed. Sometimes you may hear about LNAs or CNAs, or just nursing assistants. They may work in home care, hospitals, nursing homes or hospices. No matter where they work, they receive daily satisfaction from those they care for. The reward of easing pain and providing help in daily tasks is highly motivating for them. They are committed to caring for others … what an amazing calling in life.”

Sandy’s reflections on the profession resonated with two members of the VNHCH team.

Penny Burgess of Madison, NH took a few minutes out of a busy day caring for patients in the home to share  why she chose a career as a nursing assistant. “What attracted me to working as a CNA was seeing my mother take care of my grandmother 30 years ago. She did it on her own. She moved in with my grandmother and took care of her and kept her at home until she passed away. There weren’t a lot of home health agencies back then.”

After witnessing what her mother and grandmother went through, Penny got her CNA license right out of high school, as did her sister. 28 years later, there has been no looking back.  After working in a facility with a nursing home, hospice and skilled care unit for 28 years, Penny made her way to home care at VNHCH three years ago.

“I love taking care of people, and helping them getting better. I wish I had done home health care a long time ago.”

Her work as an CNA took a personal turn 7 years ago, when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Penny was able to keep him at home with the support of a home health care agency. “He didn’t want to go to a facility at the end. He wanted to be at home. It was wonderful to have him be in his own home to pass, and be around familiar people.”

What has kept her going for 31 years as a CNA? Having a very personal impact on the quality of life for people who are often overlooked. “Some of these people are forgotten – sometimes we are the only people they see all week, their only interaction. It’s amazing to be able to keep them in their home, whether they are coming home from the hospital to receive care, or at the end of life.”

Penny sees her job as a calling and shares this advice for those considering it as a career choice. “I would tell someone considering this job that you need compassion, you need to be dependable, accountable, diplomatic, and to speak up for these people. We are often the only voice they have. Sometimes the family isn’t involved. It’s not about money, it’s what you want to do. It’s all I’ve ever done, to take care of people. You have to want to make things better for people. You have look beyond what are often difficult living conditions and see the person. The stories you hear and the love you get from them is amazing. They don’t have anyone else. They just want you to play cards or have coffee. They don’t get out. They want to hear what you did over the weekend, they live through you. It brings them joy and happiness. These people have worked their whole lives – hard working people – they deserve to be taken care of.”

Penny’s co-worker Maureen Cahill of Conway, NH is an LNA who has been licensed since 2009. After starting as a private duty nursing assistant working in patient homes, she first worked at Mineral Springs before joining VNHCH almost two years ago.  Like Penny, Maureen grew up seeing family and neighbors taking care of one another. The personal interactions with her patients is what brings her back every day. “It’s very rewarding to go in and help someone, with a shower, or whatever their needs are. Or just to sit there and chat with them and learn about them, all their backgrounds.”

With a shortage of nursing assistants, Maureen shared what it takes to be an LNA and what she thinks would attract more people to the profession.

“It takes a special person to do this job. To attract more people to the profession, training is so important. These young people need training. As they become an LNA, the school work is just the start. They need one on one training with an experienced LNA.”

LNAs considering a career move would well consider working with VNHCH, according to Maureen. “I think VNHCH is very helpful, very friendly. If you have an issue they are happy to help you out. I think it’s a great organization. I’d recommend it to other LNAs.”

In closing, she shared, “There’s a real call for this type of care. I hope more women and men will get out there and become an LNA.  I’d like to see more men involved because I think some of our male patients might prefer that.”

For more information on VNHCH, visit them online at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006.

May 6, 2018

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- Some nurses work in hospitals. Others in doctor’s offices. Some work in management and administration. But the nurses at Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) serve a unique role in delivering nursing care to their community, right in their patients’ homes.

While VNHCH employs 12 nurses, the work of two RNs are representative of the efforts of the team at VNHCH. Their stories are exemplar of the hard work, dedication and compassion it takes to provide home care and hospice to patients in need of care.

Margaret Robertson, RN previously worked at Memorial Hospital and for Dr. Robert Tilney.  But 23 years ago, she found her niche as a visiting nurse. She explained, “It’s such a different type of nursing. I got there and said this is it - it’s the best job ever. When you’re with the patient, you are with that patient entirely. You are not distracted by call bells going off or being called into another room.”

Another unexpected professional benefit for local visiting nurses? “We see a lot more of a variety in visiting nurses than I did at the hospital. Some of my patients come out of the bigger, out of town hospitals so I’ve learned how to care for more complex surgeries and conditions.”

Margaret is a wound care certified nurse, and also is certified in ostomy management, the only visiting nurse in the Valley with that specialty. “That’s a great resource for our community and VNHCH invested a lot of time, money and effort in me as a professional to get that experience. They invested in me as an employee.”

Over her 23 years In home care, the biggest change Margaret has noted has been the increasing acuity. “People are coming home sicker. There’s more technology that allows people to stay home versus staying in a hospital for weeks. Because of technology and equipment, patients can be cared for at home.”

But the challenge is worth it, because patients can do better at home if they’re managed properly. Margaret stated, “People sleep better in their own bed, like their own food and thrive in their own environment.”

But what makes it all worth the long hours? “ You can’t describe what it’s like to go in and see a patient who is scared to death and by the end of your visit, they thank you. That’s a gift from the patient. You can’t buy that feeling anywhere.”

On a recent Monday afternoon, April Walker, RN-BSN, was busy shuttling kids from after school activities, but took the time to share her experience as a hospice nurse for VNHCH.  

She knew what she wanted to be from a young age, learning by example from her grandmother who was nurse. “My Nana was an RN. I grew up and was close to her. Her presence and compassion, always caring for others, and making others feel happy, made me want to do the same. Since then I always loved that idea of truly giving everything I can to make others happy and giving them the understanding and compassion that everyone deserves.”

While it was the natural environment and beautiful scenery that originally drew her to the Valley 5 years ago from Bangor, ME, it was the people that connected her with this very special community. “I like to take the time to be in people’s homes and hear their stories. I get to take a piece of their lives and live through their experiences here. I feel like I’m a part of it and have been made to feel very welcome.”

Working as a hospice nurse has its challenges. April shared, “It’s difficult knowing that no matter how hard you try as a nurse, you can’t always fix the problem and make it better. You want to see someone cured or get better - but you can’t always be in control.”

But the challenges are offset by what April sees as the wonderful opportunity to make a difference in her patients’ lives. “Seeing a patient with a terminal or chronic illness and their family, the best part of my day is providing them with education and support so they can truly care for their loved one at home. I help to give them a sense of peace, and to have a wonderful quality of life. They can be surrounded by their loved ones and living within their wishes.”

Like Margaret, April also praised VNHCH. “It takes a team to be able to have a successful home care hospice business. The nurses are always team players, even with so many patients. When that next patient calls you and needs you, the positivity and teamwork makes our company what it is.”

At the end of the day, April wishes that the community had a better sense of what hospice families have.”I’ve seen so many families miss out on the opportunity of hospice service.They don’t have to be actively dying. I would hope people would reach out and ask about our hospice service. They can call and ask a question about it. There’s so many misconceptions about it.”

For more information about home care, hospice care, and the incredible team of nurses at VNHCH, visit them online at http://www.vnhch.org/ or call 603-356-7006.

May 1, 2018

Written by: Northern Tri-County Advance Care Planning Program

NORTH CONWAY, NH: Barbara Bush will forever be recognized for her many inspiring efforts, but above all she will be remembered for her authenticity and integrity. Her intelligence, frank nature, passion, and wit are often quoted.  She did not shy away from the stories frequently told by her family about her character.  She was not ashamed or afraid of being who she was. Carl Jung once said, "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are." Perhaps that life lesson is Mrs. Bush's greatest legacy.

It is said that to live authentically we must live from a genuine place from within; a place where our actions and words are aligned with our beliefs and values. Mrs. Bush valued and championed causes and charities that focused on empowering and improving the quality of life of others. She believed in learning opportunities; her literacy foundation's mission is to provide equal opportunities to all by opening the door through literacy. The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, where she spent time and donated funds, takes pride in "intensely personalized care that's responsive to each child's – and family's – unique needs". At her funeral Susan Baker, a longtime family friend, said, "Barbara's motivation to help others was never about herself, but about giving love and support to those in need".

At the end of her life, the Bush family publicly announced that Mrs. Bush "has decided not to seek additional medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort care". Even in her last days, Mrs. Bush offered the world an opportunity to start a conversation and learn more about comfort care. She gave us space to know it was ok to accept the inevitable- she was going to pass, and she was going to do it in the manner in which she lived, authentically and on her own terms.

Patients at the end of life often wish to emphasize quality of life rather that seeking curative treatment. The emphasis is on comfort, dignity, and respect. It is a team approach to support the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient. The philosophy of comfort care embodies the strong beliefs and values that held true throughout Mrs. Bush's life, and was the right personal choice for her. She once said, "When all the dust has settled, and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family and friends…we have been inordinately blessed, and we know that."  Ellen Goodman, co-founder of the Conversation Project, said of the announcement "It sounds like this forthright, outspoken woman has made her wishes known and the family is standing by her."

There is no "should" when discussing authenticity and no “one size fits all” for how we choose to spend the last chapter of our lives. With a little advance care planning, we can evoke our right to pass in a way that is aligned with our personal preferences, values and beliefs. Of all of Mrs. Bush's lessons, she bequeaths us the permission to die how we choose. Resources for End of Life Conversations, Advanced Care Planning, and Comfort Care services such as Hospice and Palliative Care can be found at theconversationproject.org and your local Visiting Nurse Agency.

Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (603) 356-7006

April 25, 2018

CONWAY — “My brother and I were put in a situation where we had to quickly make a medical decision. Not knowing if our family member had her advanced directives, we were forced to make a decision during a crisis based on emotion, not knowing if it was her decision at the time," said Sherri Smith-Davies, of an event in her own life that drove home the importance of making advance care plans and letting your family know what those plans are.

"Thankfully everything turned out great, but our decision would have been easier if there had been advance directives in place," Smith-Davies said. "I do not want to put my family in that position, so I am doing mine and having the conversation with my family."

Smith-Davies, an employee of TD Bank, took part in National Healthcare Decision Day on Monday, April 16, with other employees at the bank.

On Friday, April 13, the employees of TD Bank, Conway, put up their Advance Care Planning display in the lobby of the bank, and many went one step further, beginning discussions of planning with the help of Joan Lanoie, Advance Care Planning advocate. Employees began to think about and create their own advance directives.

National Healthcare Decision Day is a nationwide day of health engagement highlighting the importance of ongoing conversations around advance care planning regarding what doctors and other medical professionals, as well as family members should know in the event you are incapacitated and cannot communicate your desires about health care to those people.

Advance care planning is about discussions with your family, loved ones and doctor about health goals, care and treatment options, beliefs and values and how they relate to your wishes. ACP documents include who you want to make decisions on your behalf, if you cannot make those choices on your own. It is about living life fully, as you want to live until life is complete.

The Mount Washington Valley has a group of medical professionals working to get the word out about how and why to take part in advance care planning, and have set up displays and programs around the valley in recent weeks. Under the catch phrase "Have you had the conversation?" the group is encouraging everyone, age 18 and older, to start talking about advance care planning with family members and health care professionals.

April 24, 2018

Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County & Western Maine Among Supported Organizations

NORTH CONWAY, NH -- Have you had the conversation? It’s a question that is often asked too late, if at all. The conversation in question centers around Advance Care Planning. Healthcare providers, especially home care and hospice organizations, too often see the aftermath when individuals fail to tell their families their preferences for care before a healthcare crisis strikes. When individuals have to make critical health decisions in a crisis, they often are overwhelmed and may make choices that might not reflect the wishes of their loved one. In order to spread the word about the importance of Advance Care Planning in northern New Hampshire,Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County (VNHCHCC) collaborated with three other home care and hospice agencies to submit a grant application to New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The organizations received $25,000 to further develop and implement a collaborative program in Carroll, Grafton and Coos Counties to promote coordinated advance care planning, education and implementation.

While the grant was submitted by VNHCHCC, it’s actually a partnership of three Home Care and Hospice agencies - VNHCHC (for Carroll County), Pemi Baker Community Health (representing Grafton County) and North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency (in Coos County).  Thanks to the grant, the three were able to establish a dedicated position called the Northern Tri-County ACP Liaison. The position allows for the sharing of best practices regarding community advance care planning by creating a central web based clearinghouse and a personal facilitator for these North Country agencies.

Ashlee Chaine was recently hired as the ACP facilitator and she is already making a difference, having helped coordinate the April 16th Healthcare Decisions Day, which saw employers and healthcare organizations throughout the three counties display information on Advance Care Planning. Previously Chaine was a patient navigator and case manager at Memorial Hospital in North Conway. Her work there often focused on Memorial’s Family Birthing Center patients.  She sees parallels between that work and advance care planning. Chaine shared, “Just as we plan for the birth of a baby, you need a plan for life’s last chapters.Documenting wishes about end of life leads to care and support consistent with your core values. It’s creating an environment of choice in which personal wishes are known, honored and respected.” While Chaine lives in the Mount Washington Valley, her work is representing the Tri-County area.

VNHCHC Executive Director Sandy Ruka said shared resources, such as Chaine’s position, will further their ability to break down silos and avoid duplicating efforts among the three organizations. “We’re sharing resources so that we can provide better and more consistent education to our patients, community and providers with the ultimate goal of improved end of life care. By consolidating, we become more solid and unifying. The three of us realized if we don’t put resources into it, it won’t happen. We are so grateful to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for making this possible for our communities.”

Ruka also reinforced the great need for these services, “New Hampshire’s population is aging rapidly. While anyone at any age can face a medical crisis, research has demonstrated discrepancies in care for those with advanced illness. Carroll and Coos Counties are the poorest and oldest with the lowest utilization of hospice services in the state. Our ultimate goal is to enhance the lives of individuals in our community.”

For more information, go to www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006.

May 18, 2017

When a stroke happens, every second counts. The best chance for a full recovery from stroke comes from recognizing stroke symptoms, calling 9-1-1, and getting treatment as quickly as possible. May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Learn the symptoms of stroke and why calling 9-1-1 can help you or a loved one survive a stroke. According to the American Heart Association, every year in the United States, nearly 800,000 people have a stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in adults. 

Don’t be caught off guard. Know the signs of stroke and make a commitment to yourself and your loved ones to call 9-1-1 right away if you notice any of the signs of stroke. If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. with this simple test: F=Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A=Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S=Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange? T=Time: Every second counts. If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away. You may think you can get to the hospital more quickly if you drive yourself, but lifesaving treatment begins in the ambulance.

Symptoms of a stroke include: Sudden numbness or weakness, especially if only on one side of the body; sudden painful headache; sudden dizziness, lack of balance, or trouble walking or speaking; sudden confusion, difficulty talking or understanding; and sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Knowing the signs of stroke and calling 9-1-1 saves precious time. The more time that passes without the right treatment, the greater the chance for disability. Most stroke patients must get clot-busting medicine within three hours of having a stroke.

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, the Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) is here to help. “It doesn’t have to be the end of the world,” said Sandy Ruka, MS, RN, Executive Director of VNHCH. “There is always the risk for a loss of independence after a stroke but there are things we can do to help mitigate that risk.” Stroke survivors can often benefit from physical and occupational therapy and many stroke patients need speech therapy. VNHCH brings these services to you at your home to help regain lost abilities and maintain current abilities. In addition, VNHCH offers nursing services to help stroke survivors keep their independence and remain in the comfort of their own home.

For more information about VNHCH services, visit the website at www.vnhch.org or call 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171. Passionate people. Compassionate care.

May 6, 2017

When we think about self-care, we often think of caring for our physical body. But the nurses at the Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice (VNHCH) in N. Conway will tell you that it’s so much more.

This year’s theme for National Nurses Week is “Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit”. May 6 through 12 is National Nurses Week and a great time to thank a nurse for caring for us – mind, body and spirit. National Nurses Week always begins on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 6th.

“At VNHCH, our nurses experience the benefits of home health care for our clients,” said Sandy Ruka, MS, RN, Executive Director of VNHCH. “Having the ability to age in place or recover from illness or an injury in the familiar and comfortable environment at home is as important to the mind and spirit as it is to the body. They are all essential parts of overall health.”

Studies have shown that the loss of independence from no longer living at home can have serious emotional effects which, in turn, effect overall health. 

There are a wide variety of services offered by VNHCH in North Conway to meet the needs of the community. Recovering from an illness or injury can be much more comfortable at home surrounded by loved ones and in a familiar environment. Skilled nurses are available for services such as wound care, post-surgery care, and chronic disease management. Aging in place is possible through a range of services from light housekeeping and other routine household tasks to more hands on personal care services such as bathing, dressing and eating.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week’s theme of Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit, think about how that may improve your overall health. What are the stressors in your life or in the lives of your loved ones?

Contact VNHCH at 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171 or visit www.vnhch.org today to find out how the professional and compassionate nurses and staff can help you decrease your stress and increase your health.
 

April 17, 2017

“I painted a broken heart because it felt like that was all there was inside of me.” These are the words of Kaela, age 8, after the loss of her brother.

When a family member dies, it impacts the way a family functions as a whole. Children, in particular, often have a difficult time adjusting to these changes and coping with the feelings that accompany the loss.  They may feel a need to protect other family members from their own feelings of grief.  

To support the children of our community, Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice is pleased to announce their new bereavement program called “Crossings” for children, ages 4 to 18, who have experienced a loss.

The Crossings program is modeled after the well-established Center for Grieving Children in Portland, ME. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers, under the mentorship of the Center.  Like the Center in Portland, Crossings offers peer support groups to connect children and families. “We know that connecting kids with each other has a positive impact on the healing process,” said program coordinator, Julie Lanoie. Crossings will provide a space for children to safely express their emotions. “If children don’t have a way to express their grief fully, they often internalize it,” added Lanoie. “This can increase their risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other emotionally avoidant patterns in the future.”

Groups will take place one evening per week at the Mt. Washington Valley Children’s Museum in North Conway.  Parents will have the option of participating in an adult bereavement group held simultaneously.

All services are free to participants thanks to generous support from private donors as well as from Zeb’s Charitable Fund, the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Washington Valley, the Whittier Lions Club and the Mt. Washington Valley Children’s Museum.

For more information and to find out if Crossings is a good fit for your family, please contact Julie Lanoie, RN, MA at 603-356-7006 ext. 43 or 800-499-4171. If you are interested in supporting Crossings, please call Sandy Ruka, Executive Director of VNHCH at 603-356-7006 ext. 14.
 

March 3, 2017

Tim and Kathy* have been together since they were teenagers. Throughout their 60-plus year marriage, they have held their vows close to heart, including “in sickness and in health.” As Kathy’s Parkinson’s advanced, Tim’s role as a caregiver became overwhelming. Tim’s years in sales didn’t prepare him for the nursing and caregiving duties he now performed on a daily basis. Putting Kathy’s needs first, while well-intended, was having a negative effect on his own health.

According to researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a total of about 43 million U.S. adults provide unpaid care for someone with a serious health condition each year. These often-unsung heroes provide hours of assistance to others. “One important insight from our research is that because of the stress and time demands placed on caregivers, they are less likely to find time to address their own health problems” said Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging.

Fortunately, there is help. “We see so many spouses and adult children, who take on the role of caregiver, experiencing high levels of stress,” said Sandy Ruka, Executive Director of Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH). “Everyone’s needs are different,” Ruka added. “We are here to help people remain in their own homes with comfort, safety and confidence whether they are recovering from an injury or surgery or to age in place.”

VNHCH offers a wide variety of services to meet their clients’ needs at many levels. Care is coordinated with the client’s physicians, hospitals, and other area healthcare agencies to ensure the overall health plan is in harmony with the client’s best interests. VNHCH’s Skilled Services provide professional care by Registered Nurses and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists.

The Chronic Disease Management Team works with clients and their healthcare providers in creating a plan to help the client reach his/her own life goals. VNHCH offers a range of specialty care services such as wound care, ostomy care, behavioral health, and more.

Licensed Nursing Assistants are available for help with daily living activities and personal care services and home health aides and homemakers to provide assistance with routine household tasks.

For the end-of-life journey, VNHCH offers compassionate Hospice care to clients and their families with support from physicians, nurses, spiritual caregivers, social workers, home health aides and specially trained volunteers.

VNHCH also offers a variety of programs, workshops and support groups. The Care for the Caregiver Support Group meets on Wednesdays to help people build healthy self-care into their own lives while caregiving for others. For more information on this and other services and programs, visit the website at VNHCH.org or call 603-356-7006 or 800-499-4171.

VNHCH is there for you as your healthcare partner. Passionate people. Compassionate care.
*Not real names. Profile is based on a range of clients.
 

October 27, 2016

During the past century, America has evolved into a culture that prefers to deny death. It seems we generally are unprepared to accept our mortality – let alone plan for it.

A hundred years ago, communicable diseases like influenza, tuberculosis, and diphtheria were the leading causes of death in the United States. Many deaths occurred at home where families cared for sick and dying relatives.

The result was that most people had a personal and direct experience with dying and death. Today, people fear that the personal process of dying is often lost in the attempt to prolong life at all cost.

But if the recent large turnout at a screening of the “Being Mortal” PBS Frontline documentary is any indication, people are beginning to contemplate what matters most at the end of their lives.

More than 120 people attended the film and panel discussion organized by the Community Health Collaborative earlier this month.

Before attendees left that evening, they filled out surveys. One question asked, “What one word describes how you feel after watching and talking about Being Mortal?” The answers reflect a range of responses from “Grateful,” “Hopeful, and “Inspired” to “Alone,” “Overwhelmed” and “Now!”.

Sandy Ruka, MS RN, is executive director of Visiting Nurse, Home Care & Hospice and chair of the collaborative’s advance care planning committee. She and her colleagues are very pleased with attendance at the event and several follow-up programs. And she’s not surprised by people’s reactions.

“It’s clear by the response that this is a subject that matters. As healthcare providers, our group is committed to helping people get started with those important but difficult family conversations,” Ruka said.

Rev. Mary Edes, co-moderator of the Being Mortal event, said people need a guide to take those first steps down a difficult and unfamiliar road.

“We want people to know about the choices they have and talk with each other about the values that matter most to them,” she said. “We need to transform the cultural norm from not talking about how we want to live at the end of life to talking about it.”

This year, representatives from Visiting Nurses, Memorial Hospital and others in the collaborative have been carrying out their strategy for bringing these discussions to the places where people live and work. In addition to hosting community education programs, a free advance care planning service is now available at several locations. People can make appointments to meet with a certified “Respecting Choices” facilitator at Visiting Nurses, Saco River Medical Group, Memorial Hospital and more.

“It can make a huge difference when people can turn to others for ideas, resources and support,” Ruka said. “We are really committed to meeting the needs of our community, welcome feedback, and look forward to ongoing partnerships.”

“Being Mortal” is a national effort by Hospice Foundation of America to present the film in communities throughout the country and sponsored locally by Cooper Cargill Chant, PA.

Panelists included Rev. Sean Dunker Bendigo, Dr. David Ladley of Saco River Medical Group, Jayne Maher of ServiceLink, Memorial Hospital discharge planner Jennifer Grise, family caregiver Jane Duggan, attorney Deborah Fauver of Cooper Cargill Chant, and Dr. Rachel Hamilton of Primary Care at Memorial Hospital.

In “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End,” Dr. Atul Gawande writes, "Technological society has forgotten what scholars call the 'dying role' and its importance to people as life approaches its end.

"People want to share memories, pass on wisdoms and keepsakes, settle relationships, establish their legacies, make peace with God, and ensure that those who are left behind will be okay. They want to end their stories on their own terms."