News

May 5, 2011

Celebrating 90 years, VNA positions for future needs of community

The new year that lies ahead will bring exciting advances in elder care services at VNA Home Health & Hospice, based in South Portland just as they are celebrating 90 years of providing medical home care to the community.

For 90 years, VNA Home Health & Hospice, an affiliate of Mercy Hospital, has provided in-home medical care for patients and their families. Recognizing the aging of our population and the desire for elders to remain at home, VNA introduces its newest program, LifeStages, providing non-medical care supporting the needs of private-pay clients in their own residences.

 

“For nearly a century, VNA has provided compassionate, professional, high quality medical home care for this community, and now we are able to extend our service to provide the full spectrum of at-home services with LifeStages,” said VNA's Chief Executive Officer Colleen Hilton, RN.

 

Hilton said that due to VNA's long-standing history and reputation in the community, as well as being a recognized premier provider, they are “just the right” organization to take this step.

 

“As the needs of our local and national populations evolve, it's key that we are able to offer the full continuum of care all under one roof,” Hilton added.

 

VNA's LifeStages will provide elder services at home, including; non-medical home care, companion care, geriatric care management, and elder mediation. The LifeStages staff will act as partners to families in caring for elders at home, explained Lisa Fuller, director of business development for VNA.

 

With the addition of LifeStages, VNA’s clients will be able to contract for assistance with tasks such as light meal preparation, bathing and dressing, and driving to and from appointments. Staff can also evaluate an elder's needs for their best living arrangements, help long-distance caregivers, and bring family members together to alleviate stressful situations.

 

“LifeStages will address the needs of elders who want to remain as independent as possible in their own homes,” Fuller said. “Through this program, there will be better communication between all care providers, whether medical or non-medical, meaning improved care for patients and their families.”