The Newsletter of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast

VNA Today
VNA Helps Hospice Patient With Last Wish

Volume 26 No. 3 2011

New Mens Bereavement Support Group

The VNA is offering a new mens bereavement support group in Vero Beach. The group meets the first Friday of every month at C.J. Cannons Restaurant, 3414 Cherokee Road, at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, at 8:00 a.m. This support group is free and open to any man experiencing grief from the loss of a spouse, parent, child, or other loved one. VNA bereavement counselor Wes Weaver leads the Friday morning sessions. One of the best therapies for anyone grieving such a loss is to know there are others traveling the same path and to hear some of the successful ways others are coping, said Weaver. To receive more information about the VNAs bereavement/ grief support services, contact Tracey Soethe, Bereavement Coordinator, at 772.978.5553 or tsoesthe@vnatc.com.

Steve Smith and Larry Lopez

Hospice patient Larry Lopez sketch pad had been his window on the world for more than sixty-five years. But before that window closed, he wanted to preserve an important part of what he had seen sketches of his experiences in World War II and the Korean War. Using a desktop photo scanner to turn yellowing paper into permanent computer files, VNA associate Steve Smith helped the eighty-nineyear-old man make that dream a reality. Smith is the Marketing Manager and a graphic artist at the VNA and helped Lopez publish a book: The Life and Times of Larry Lopez, made up of his best sketches. For Smith, the hours with Lopez were a labor of love. For Lopez, it was a race against time. He had lung cancer that had spread to his brain. He began receiving in-home hospice services earlier this year and got regular visits from hospice nurses. Mr. Lopez quest to publish the book became one of his desires expressed in the Five Wishes booklet, a publication offered by the VNA to encourage
See Last Wishes on page 3

WHATS INSIDE 4 6 11
Caregiver Resources Answer Nurse 2012 Annual Appeal

2011 VNA of the Treasure Coast

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

CEOs Message
Each November, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) celebrates National Home Care Month, National Hospice Month, and Home Care Aide Week to honor healthcare administrators, nurses, clinicians, therapists, aides, homemakers, chore workers, and companions who make a remarkable difference in the lives of patients and their families. Helping frail, disabled and dying Americans to stay independent and happy in their homes is our goal, said Val J. Halamandaris, president of NAHC. Home care professionals and volunteers, along with modern medicine and technology, make it possible for sick citizens to be cared for in their homes where they can be surrounded by loved ones and precious mementoes as they live their best quality of life. By celebrating the hospice industry in preserving a legacy and treasuring moments, we are reminded that every person we care for is a unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships, and gifts to share. As a hospice and Joyce Baldrica, palliative care community, President and CEO we honor patients and families, and support them during the journey at lifes end. As you read about how Steve Smith, VNAs Marketing Manager, assisted Larry Lopez in ensuring that his personal story lives on, I believe youll come to understand that Hospice is about treasuring the memories of ones life. There are many reasons to support the good work of home care and hospice providers during November. Home health care is regarded as the most viable solution for providing long-term care to this countrys growing elderly population. Hospice is one of the fastest growing segments of the healthcare industry because people acknowledge that the care and compassion that hospice professionals provide their patients is second to none. Please join the VNA and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice in applauding its home care and hospice associates and their commitment to providing quality care to the patients and families they serve. Whether an associate of the VNA, a Board member, a volunteer, or a donor, we are neighbors helping neighbors to make life a little easier for each other. Together, we provide the highest quality patient care. I am honored to serve as the leader of the VNA. Thank you for your continued support,

Each November, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) celebrates National Home Care Month, National Hospice Month, and Home Care Aide Week (November 14-20th) to honor care giving heroes who make a remarkable difference in the lives of patients and the families they serve. The second full week in November is marked as an occasion to celebrate the important contribution that home care aides make in providing personal care services to home care patients. The role of the home care aide is integral to providing care to elderly or disabled clients who need more extensive personal and home care than family or friends can provide.

Joyce Baldrica, President and CEO

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Last Wish
Continued from page 1

people to document their hopes. Five Wishes also urges people to express their end-of-life wishes about who they want to make decisions when they cant, how comfortable they want to be, how they want to be treated by others, and what they want their loved ones to know. Lopez hope was to preserve his work for the public. Thats my only purpose, Mr. Lopez said of the project. No other reason for me to keep on living. I will be ninety years old on November 24th. What else do I have to do to stay happy but just continue to do what I have always loved to do. Smith is the best assistant I have had in all my years, Mr. Lopez said with a smile. He is very appreciative for what I do for him and I am appreciative of just spending time with him. That is the main thing, said Smith. It was his view of history, but he kept it locked up for so long, Smith said of Mr. Lopez sketches. He realized that he didnt want them to die with him. He didnt want his sketches to be locked up in storage forever with nobody ever seeing them. Just working with somebody who has an appreciation for what you do, and who has the passion he has to get this done, is rewarding for me, Smith said. Smith and Lopez are a great combination, said Cathy Dusseau, VNAs Hospice Referral Coordinator. Though they are three generations apart, I watched the two of them the first day they met. It was immediate kinship. One artist knows another. Sadly, as we went to print, Larry passed away with VNA Hospice by his side. Larry will be greatly missed.

Associate of the Quarter

Shawn Swanson and Joyce Baldrica

Each quarter, VNA associates select a fellow co-worker who excels at their job and exemplifies the VNAs core values of Service Excellence, Accountability, Collaboration, and Integrity. Please join us in congratulating Shawn Swanson, Director of Professional Development and Education, as the VNAs third quarter recipient. Swanson was selected by her peers for putting patients needs first, delivering on promises, and demonstrating integrity. Swanson joined the VNA in March 2009, and has broadened associates knowledge base and increased their skill levels through agency-wide strategic assessments, planning, and educational interventions. She developed a clinical preceptor program that facilitates professional development and growth within the VNA. Shawn is a Registered Nurse and is certified in hospice and palliative care. Shawn has worked in hospice and palliative care for nine years, having spent the last three in clinical management.
VNA Today

Community Partners
Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine is a non-profit organization comprised of dedicated health care providers and community professionals who have joined together to open a free medical, chiropractic, and dental clinic to serve the uninsured of Brevard County and the Space Coast. Space Coast Volunteers in Medicines culture of caring begins with a special group of people including doctors, dentists, and staff who volunteer their time to improve the quality of life of the uninsured. In addition, Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine emphasizes the importance of preventative medicine and health education. For more information visit www.spacecoastvolunteersinmedicine.org or call 321.914.0915.

Resources for Family Caregivers

Each day, our nurses, therapists, and home health aides care for patients living with one or more chronic illnesses such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, and Hypertension. We understand how taxing it can be to provide care for a chronically-ill loved one, as well as how important it is to care for yourself while caring for another. Our clinical staff has a saying to remind themselves of this fact: You must drink as you pour. If you find yourself in the role of family caregiver, whether it is planned or unexpected, be sure to draw on the knowledge of others who have faced, or are currently facing, situations similar to your own. Consulting your loved ones doctor is, of course, the first step on your journey of knowledge. Below is a list of additional online resources you may find helpful. Todays Caregiver The online home of Todays Caregiver magazine, this site contains back-issue magazine articles, a state-by-state listing of support groups, information about upcoming Fearless Caregiver Conferences, and illness-specific resources for caregivers. www.caregiver.com Family Caregiver Alliance Founded in 1977 in San Francisco by a group of family caregivers struggling due to lack of information, the Family Caregiver Alliance strives to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. This site offers caregiving information and advice, fact sheets, and e-newsletters for caregivers, online discussion forums, and access to the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state listing of resources for caregivers. www.caregiver.org National Alliance for Caregiving Established in 1996, The National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving. This site offers access to caregiving research reports, a variety of publications, and podcasts about caregiving. www.caregiving.org

Looking for Local Caregiver Support?

The VNAs COPES program offers ongoing education and support for family caregivers. The program is free of charge, and all are welcome to attend. Meetings are held: First and third Thursday of every month 10:30 11:30 a.m First Presbyterian Church 1405 Louisiana Avenue, Sebastian For more information, please call 772.567.5551.

National Family Caregivers Association The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the more than sixty-five million Americans who care for loved ones. This site provides educational tools as well as tools that caregivers can use to connect with others in similar situations, specifically the Caregiver Community Action Network, The Caregiver Story Project, e-Communities, and a Family Caregiver Forum. www.nfcacares.org Well Spouse Association This non-profit organization, whose founding well spouses took their inspiration from a book entitled Mainstay: for the Well Spouse of the Chronically Ill, by Maggie Strong, offers support for those caring for chronically ill spouses and partners. While paid membership in the Association is required for access to some information, the website provides access to a complimentary issue of the Mainstay newsletter, a listing of support groups by state, as well as links to caregiving-related audio conferences and podcasts. www.wellspouse.org
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Hospice Volunteer Becomes an Associate

Sari Katajamaki came to Vero Beach from Finland eleven years ago. Having known someone who passed away in Finland with the presence of only a few friends, the idea of volunteering for hospice was a personal matter for her. After completing the VNAs hospice volunteer training course, Sari became a Vigil Volunteer. A Vigil Volunteer comforts patients at the time of death and brings support and reassurance to their families. She received additional training to prepare her for this role. Reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Sari remembered one experience in particular with a patient who loved the beach but was unable to leave her assisted living facility to visit it. As a volunteer, you try to do more for them, said Sari. Wanting to bring enjoyment to her patient, Sari took matters into her own hands. She went to the beach on her day off and gathered buckets of sand and shells and recreated the beach at the facility. Due to her experience volunteering with the VNA, Sari decided she wanted to become an associate. She went back to school and earned her Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) license. As a CNA, Sari is able to offer more to her patients. She is responsible for a patients basic care such as feeding and bathing, and she assists the nurses with the medical treatment. In her first role as an associate, Sari worked for Nightingale Private Duty Nursing. Ultimately wanting to work for hospice, Sari finally got her wish in January. As an associate, you can be there more for them [the patients]. In addition to the everyday care, she also aids in the emotional care and well being of the patient. Sari continues to work at the Hospice House. She remains a stellar associate who goes above and beyond for her patients needs in their end-of-life care. If you would like to learn more about becoming a Hospice volunteer, please contact Tracey Soethe at 77.978.5553.

Preserve Your Memories

If you have walked the grounds at the VNA Hospice House, you may have come across the memorial garden nestled behind the house. What you might have missed was the unique pathway that comprises the garden. This pathway consists of brick pavers engraved with names and loving messages from friends and families of Hospice House patients who have passed away. The twelve-inch square pavers allow for three lines of engraving; nineteen characters per line. Each paver is $500 and goes directly into the Hospice House Endowment Fund which ensures care to patients at the Hospice House regardless of their ability to pay. To date, 147 pavers have been engraved, and the VNA is grateful for those members of the community who entrust us to preserve the lasting memory of their loved one. The next time you walk through the garden, be sure to look down and reflect on the various messages friends and families have written for their loved ones. Each paver signifies a patient who received the highest quality patient care at the Hospice House, and it is longlasting evidence of our continuing effort to provide hospice patients with the highest quality of life. For more information about engraving a brick paver, please contact the VNA Foundation office at 772.978.5568.

Interested In Volunteering?
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tracey Soethe at 772.978.5553.

VNA Today

Answer Nurse: IMPORTANCE OF HANd WASHING

Although it seems like the simplest of tasks, properly washing our hands is one of the best preventive measures we can take to avoid spreading germs, infections, and illnesses. Throughout the day, we touch a number of surfaces, objects, and people. Without properly cleansing our hands, bacteria are more likely to infect us and cause illnesses such as influenza and E. coli. Q. How many bacteria do I have on my hands? A. The average human palm has approximately 150 different species of bacteria on its surface. While that might seem like a lot, most of those bacteria are harmless or even beneficial to your body. However, some of those are contaminated bacteria that you have acquired throughout the day. Think about how often you touch a doorknob or handle money. Those objects are touched by many people on a daily basis. Not knowing if the people who touched those objects before you were sick, you need to protect yourself by washing your hands from potentially harmful bacteria.
Glenda Grady is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with the Visiting Nurse Association and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Family Practice.

Health Screening Schedule Available Online

Did you know that you have access to the VNAs blood pressure/ blood sugar screening schedule with just a 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 at 772.567.5760, Option 6.

Q. Is there a proper way to wash my hands? A. Following these steps will ensure the best results when washing your hands: 1. Using soap and water, wet your hands under running water and apply soap. 2. Run your hands together and lather well. 3. Scrub the bottom and top of your hands, underneath the finger nails, and between your fingers. You should scrub your hands for about twenty seconds. (If you want to time yourself, you can sing the Happy Birthday to You song twice, and you will be done!) 4. Rinse your hands and then dry them using a clean, dry towel or an air dryer.

For further information about the importance of hand washing, please visit www.cdc.gov or www.mayoclinic.com. For more information about influenza and the various vaccines available, visit www.flu.gov. To find a VNA flu clinic nearest you, visit www.vnatc.com/flu. or call 772.978.5524.

Q. How many times a day should I wash my hands? A. There are a number of times throughout the day you should wash your hands. You should always wash your hands before doing the following activities: preparing food, eating, treating wounds, and inserting contact lenses. You should always wash your hands after doing the following activities: touching an animal, handling garbage or contaminated items, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, touching a sick or injured person, using the bathroom, or handling money. Q. When should I use hand sanitizer? A. Although using soap and water is the best option for washing your hands, an alcoholbased hand sanitizer is a great alternative to use when soap and water are unavailable. Hand sanitizer does not require any water to use, and therefore it is a very convenient substitute. Only use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol for the most effective use. Hand sanitizer can easily reduce the amount of germs on your hands, but it does not kill all germs. If you are hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water to disinfect your hands rather than using hand sanitizer. 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 answernurse@vnatc.com. This material is for general information. To diagnose a specific illness or disorder, consult your doctor.

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VNA Providing High-dose Influenza Vaccine

Flu season is here, and the VNA has kicked off the 19th season of its Shoo the Flu vaccination program. The VNAs priority is to keep our community healthy, and the organization encourages all area residents to get their flu shot early in the season. Persons aged sixty-five years or older are at greater risk for hospitalization and death from seasonal influenza than those in other age groups. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting a flu vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting yourself against the flu. This year, the VNA is offering a High-Dose influenza vaccine, specifically designed for people sixty-five and older. High-Dose vaccines contain four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that prompts the body to make antibody) contained in regular flu shots. The additional antigen is intended to create a stronger immune response in the person getting the vaccine, since our bodys immune response weakens as we age. The High-Dose vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The side effects from the High-Dose vaccine are similar to those of regular flu vaccine. The most common side effects experienced were mild and temporary and included pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and headache, muscle aches, and slight fever. Most people have minimal or no side effects after receiving the High-Dose vaccine. The VNA is also offering limited amounts of two additional vaccines; the regular influenza vaccine for individuals ten to sixty-four years old, and a preservative-free vaccine also for individuals ten to sixty-four years old. This year the High-Dose vaccine is $45 and the regular and preservative-free influenza vaccines are $25. There is no out-ofpocket expense for individuals with the following insurances: Traditional Medicare, Medicare Railroad, Quality Health Plans, AARP Medicare Complete, Advantra Freedom, Health First Health Plans, Humana Medicare, Secure Horizons, United Healthcare Medicare, Universal Healthcare, Health First Health Plans, and TRICARE. The VNA will bill these insurances on clients behalf. To find a VNA flu clinic nearest you visit www.vnatc.com/flu or call the VNA flu hotline at 772.978.5502. If you know of, work for, or volunteer with a human service organization that would like to participate in our charitable flu shot program this fall, please contact Community Wellness Coordinator, Maggie Creelman, at 772.978.5524.

Mobile Unit Schedule

The VNA Mobile Unit provides basic healthcare services free of charge for Indian River County residents who are without health insurance. Our Mobile Units nurse practitioners can examine patients, diagnose their illnesses, and prescribe medications.
Sunday 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Fellsmere Community Center
56 North Broadway Street, Fellsmere

Monday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Winn dixie Shopping Plaza

2950 9th St. S.W., Vero Beach *

Tuesday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Riverview Park

U.S. Highway 1 and Harrison St., Sebastian *

Wednesday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. VNA Parking Lot

1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach *

Thursday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Gifford Youth Activity Center

4875 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach *

Friday 8 a.m. 7 p.m. VNA Parking Lot

1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach *

Saturday 9 a.m. 3 p.m. CVS Pharmacy

8495 U.S. Highway 1, Wabasso * Closed for lunch from noon 1 p.m.
VNA Today

Let Us Help You Through Trying Times

Bereavement Support Groups
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.

VNA Hospice House: Acute Care in a Home-like Setting

The VNA Hospice House may look like a home-like haven for patients facing life-limiting illnesses, but in actuality it is a specialized hospice hospital equipped to provide care for patients with acute needs. The levels of care provided at the Hospice House include: general inpatient, respite, and routine care, and are all covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. General inpatient care is provided when the patient has acute symptoms that require a higher level of care which cannot feasibly be provided in other settings. Inpatient care is usually short-term in nature. Respite care is available to patients when their caregivers need a few days to rest, attend functions, or travel. The patient is transferred to the VNA Hospice House for a maximum period of five days. Routine care is provided when a patient does not meet criteria for general inpatient care and symptoms are managed. Room and board fees apply, and VNA charges a daily fee, but assistance is available to reduce the financial impact. Patients may be transferred to the Hospice House upon collaboration with the nurse case manager, hospice physician, and Hospice House manager. Transfers may take place upon admission or during the course of care. The levels of care may change as the patients symptoms change. For more information about VNA Hospice services and the VNA Hospice House, please call 772.567.5551.

Tuesdays 6:30 7:30 p.m. Crossroads Christian Fellowship Hall

10205 US Highway 1, Sebastian This is a general bereavement group.

Wednesdays 1:30 3:00 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church

1850 6th Avenue, Vero Beach This is a general bereavement group.

Thursdays 2:00 3:30 p.m. Sebastian River Medical Center

13695 US Highway 1, Sebastian This is a general bereavement group.

Thursdays 7:00 8:30 p.m. Community Church Library

1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach This group is for parents who are coping with the loss of a child.

First Friday of the Month 8:00 9:30 a.m. C.J. Cannons Restaurant
3414 Cherokee Road, Vero Beach This group is for men who are experiencing the loss of a loved one.

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Nightingale Patient Finds Peace of Mind

When Catherine Laws husband became ill, a doctor referred them to Nightingale Private Duty Nursing to assist her with the care of her husbands treatment. After her husband passed way, Catherines own health started to decline and she now uses Nightingale Catherine Law services for herself. It is the best thing in the world, said Catherine. I would recommend them to anyone. Catherine receives dialysis treatments three times a week. A Nightingale companion provides transportation to and from doctor appointments to treat her Goodpasture Syndrome, an extremely rare condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body. This dangerous and potentially fatal illness can often lead to kidney failure if left untreated. According to Catherine, what distinguishes Nightingale from other agencies is the quality of staff. They truly have the clients interest at heart, recalled Catherine. The reliability of the Nightingale nurses also offers Catherine peace of mind. When I schedule my pickup time, I know that they will be there on time. In addition to her doctors appointment, she also uses Nightingales companion services for errands. Catherine is unable to drive herself and uses a walker to get around. Public transportation is limited and taxing for someone in her condition, so a companion is the best solution for her. Their service fits me like a glove; it is perfect for my needs. With on-going dialysis, Catherine has been successfully treating her illness, and she is optimistic about her health. Nightingale Private Duty Nursing has become one of the pillars for her success in recovering from her Goodpasture Syndrome. It has given her the stability that she needs, and she knows it is a service she can rely on in the future for any additional healthcare needs. For more information regarding Nightingale Private Duty Nursing, please visit www.npdn.com or call 772.778.0159.

VNA Space Coast Welcomes New Board Members

Rob Naberhaus

Gina Rall

The VNA is pleased to announce that Rob Naberhaus and Gina Rall have recently joined the VNA Space Coast board. Rob is an attorney at the commercial law firm Dean Mead in Viera. Prior to joining the VNA Space Coast board, Naberhaus served on the Planned Giving Committee for the VNA & Hospice Foundation. In addition, he has also served the Boy Scouts of America and the Planned Giving Council of Indian River County. Gina is a CPA and a director at Hoyman, Dobson & Company in Melbourne. Rall is involved in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), and was a past president for the Brevard Estate Planning Council Board of Directors. Naberhaus and Rall join Ford Fegert, Ann Marie McCrystal, and Joyce Baldrica on the VNA Space Coast Board.

VNA Today

I Support the VNA

Dear Friends, When I began supporting the VNA more than thirty years ago, the VNA had a simple missionto provide quality home healthcare.

VNA & Hospice Foundation Welcomes New Vice President

We are pleased to announce that Wendy ONeil has been selected as the organizations new vice president in charge of philanthropy. For the past thirty-six years, the VNA has provided compassionate, innovative care of the highest quality to the citizens of Indian River county. The organization has set the standard for patients and caregivers Wendy ONeil needing home health, hospice, and community health services. I look forward to making Vero Beach my home and joining those who work in service of the mission of the VNA, said ONeil. ONeil brings to the VNA over thirty years of development and leadership experience. In her new role, she will be responsible for the management and direction of all aspects of the VNA & Hospice Foundation, the fundraising arm of the non-profit healthcare organization. Prior to joining the VNA, ONeil served as the director of Institutional Development at The Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia. There she established a development program that included annual giving, planned giving, major gifts, specials gifts, corporate giving, and foundation giving. In addition, ONeil also worked as the director of development for the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee where she raised over twelve million dollars for the Vanderbilt School of Nursing. Outside of her extensive professional experience, ONeil is also affiliated with the United Way, Lakewood Community Theatre, and is a Rural Area Medical volunteer at the Kiwanis Club of Grundy. ONeil earned her Bachelors Degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. We are very excited about Wendy joining the VNA, said Joyce Baldrica, VNAs President and CEO. Her experience and expertise in fundraising and development will be a great addition to the VNA & Hospice Foundation team.

Carol M. Kanarek

Over time, our mission has grown along with the needs of our community. We added hospice services in 1986, our Shoo the Flu vaccination program started in 1990, and the Healthcare on Wheels mobile unit went into service in 2003. Today, our mission is more broad-reaching, but just as vital in this community: VNA provides compassionate, innovative care of the highest quality, setting the standard for patients and caregivers needing home health, hospice, and community health services. Over the years, the generosity of our donors has supported the VNAs work and mission in countless ways and helped to ensure that home health, hospice, and community wellness programs are available to all who need them. Because of your continued support, the VNA has upheld its legacy of providing quality healthcare to our friends and neighbors regardless of their ability to pay. Today, philanthropy has become vital to the success of virtually every non-profit organization in this community, including the VNA. The challenges of providing care are greater than ever, and we continue to rely on the generous support of our donors to provide many of our essential services. Wont you join in supporting our wonderful organization? Together, we have an opportunity to change lives in our community. Please join us in our mission, and become a supporter today. With deepest gratitude,

Carol Kanarek
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2012 Annual Appeal Kicks off with a New Look

This fall, when sorting through your mail, keep on the lookout for an envelope with a large, colorful, and vibrant tree on its corner. This envelope contains materials and information regarding the VNAs 2012 annual appeal. This rich and lively logo symbolizes healthy life, which is exactly what the VNAs annual appeal encompasses. Through the assistance of your donations, the VNA appeal supports our charitable care efforts to help those in our community who are unable to afford the home health and hospice care they need. The VNA has a mission of providing the highest quality patient care, and as an organization, we want this mission to include all members of our community regardless of age, gender, or financial standing. Whether it is through our hospice, home health, bereavement, or community wellness programs, the branches of the annual appeal extend to many members of our community. When opening our mailer, you will notice that there are a few features that will guide you through the various facets of the annual appeal. First, the brochure includes a patient testimonial as well as an overview of the VNA & Hospice Foundation. This testimonial is from a real member of our community who has benefited from previous donations. You will also find a letter from Foundation Chairman, Carol Kanarek, and Annual Appeal Chairman, Kathleen Pierce, explaining the importance of the Annual Appeal, and why your donations are needed. The newest addition to our mailer is our Share with a Friend postcard. This card is a way for you, the donor, to encourage your friends and family members to contribute to VNA annual appeal as well. Lastly, there is an envelope that offers you a variety of ways to donate to the annual appeal. We accept check, cash, and credit card donations. Simply mail the envelope to the VNA to complete your donation. You may also donate online by visiting www.vnatc.com/annualappeal Without your donations, the VNA would be limited in its service to the community and would not be able to serve as a lifeline for those members of our community in need of charitable assistance. If you have already donated to this years annual appeal, we offer you our sincerest gratitude. Your donation will go a long way towards the charitable healthcare needs of our community. If you havent yet donated, then we ask that you please look for the envelope with the tree of life logo containing the VNAs 2012 annual appeal information. By reading through the information provided, you will see how important the annual appeal is to the VNA and our community.

VNA Today

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NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE VERO BEACH, FL PERMIT #42

PAID

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

The VNA of the Treasure Coast has earned the Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval.

Mailing Information
If 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 mgardner@vnatc.com

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21st Annual Tree of Remembrance

Take a moment this holiday season to reflect on special memories of loved ones and honor them by ordering your memorial ornament. As part of the Tree of Remembrance program, VNA Hospice is offering holiday ornaments to individuals who donate to our hospice program. With a $15 donation, you may choose between a handcrafted porcelain butterfly and angel ornament, and with a $25 donation, you Personalized Memorial dove Ornament may choose a butterfly, dove, or angel personalized ornament. Each ornament comes packaged for gift giving. All proceeds from our Tree of Remembrance program help provide care to patients in Indian River County who face a life-limiting illness. For more information on the Tree of Remembrance program, please contact Tracey Soethe at 772.978.5553.

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

Age of Annuitant 60 69 70 79 80 89 90+

Single Life Gift Annuity Payment Rates 5.0 5.6% 5.7 6.9% 7.1 9.2% 9.5%

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 rjohnson@ vnatc.com. For advice, contact your tax advisor.

Medicare Certified License # HHA21276095/HHA299991471/HPC5038096/HHA299991281 Hospice License Issued In 1986