Lori Morris and her father, Jack Freeland, have been members ofour VNA volunteer family for over 14 years. Their story began in1999 when Jack’s wife and Lori’s mom, Joann, worked at theAdult Day Center. She enlisted the family to help organize theLiberty Corner 4-Miler fundraising run. Following Joann’s pass-ing in 2002, Jack became a Rummage Sale volunteer as a smallmeasure of thanks for the care she received from the VNA duringher illness. Lori and Jack remain committed volunteers anddonors. We spoke with Lori about their experiences:

When did you and your dad first get involved with the VNA?I believe it was in 1999,when my mom, who wasworking for the VNA andthe Adult Day Center(ADC), suggested weorganize a running race toraise money for the ADC.She knew this wouldappeal to me because ofmy racing background.We worked closely withCynthia Wynant and RyanGrote on the first annualrun committee. Mom andDad were on the commit-tee with me. Both the raceand the committee grew over the years, even after Mom passedin 2002.

You and your dad support the agency in many ways. Whatare some of those efforts? Together, we’ve worked on the run committee. Even though therace was suspended in 2012 -2013, we hope to reinvent it inspring 2014. It is a great way to honor my mom’s commitmentto the VNA and the wonderful people who work there.

This past year my husband and I supported the VNA by playingin the golf outing with friends. We hope to make the outing anannual tradition. I support the Rummage Sale by making “abun-dant” donations every year…and since I live in Far Hills I try to bean ambassador in town for the VNA. I also love to visit the Sportstent with my children, where my dad is the “Crew Chief”. We havefun visiting with the volunteers and helping to price the gear.

Has your involvement with the VNA had a positive impact onyour family?My dad and I are very close, so any chance to do somethingtogether is fun. We both have a strong bond to the VNA becauseof my mom. I loved when she worked there, because I knew itmade her happy and that she was surrounded by good peo-ple….Our continued commitment to the VNA helps us to healfrom losing my mom.

Based on your experiences, what would you tell someonewho is thinking about volunteering or donating to the VNA?Do it!! The VNA is a good organization and is filled with wonder-ful people. The work they do cannot be done by others as well, ifat all. I see the volunteers at the Rummage Sale…They are hav-ing fun, keeping active and doing good. It doesn’t get any bet-ter than that!

What do you wish other people knew about the VNA?I wish they knew the people….I think many are not aware thatthey may need the VNA or could use some of your services.Many people do not research this type of care until they need it.Then it is difficult to know where to start!

If you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities,contact Angela Whitt, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 908-766-0180 ext. 115, or volunteer@visitingnurse.org.

Healing Family NewsHOME HEALTH & HOSPICE SERVICES

COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ADULT DAY CENTER

Serving Somerset and Morris CountiesSpring 2013

Both long-time volunteers and donors, Jack Freeland (l) and daughter Lori Morris (r) make it a family affair at the 2012 VNA Golf

Classic at Neshanic Valley Golf Course.

Preparing for hospital discharge can be a busy and stressfultime for patients and their families. If you will need home caresome of that stress may be reduced by knowing, in advance,what agency you want to use. The VNA of Somerset Hills canprovide home care and hospice to ALL residents of Morris andSomerset Counties.

To avoid confusion and ensure home care is arranged withus, your chosen provider, remember to ask for the VNA of

Somerset Hills (Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills)by our full name. Always remember patients and their familieshave the right to choose the provider that will be continuingtheir care after returning home from the hospital.

If you would like to receive a plastic wallet reminder cardimprinted with our contact information, please reach out to usat 908-766-0180, or email news@visitingnurse.org

Selecting an Agency: It’s Your Choice

Supporter Spotlight

Medication Safety: Essential for Managing Chronic Illness

The VNA has been awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from United Way of NorthernNew Jersey. Funds will provide primary caregivers short-term relief from the everyday fatigueand stress of caring for a frail or disabled adult. Our services are provided as part of theStatewide Respite Care Program. This assistance helps caregivers maintain their own emotion-al and physical health while helping their loved one remain at home and out of a long term carefacility. Respite care is available in case of emergency; to allow the caregiver the opportunity towork outside the home; take a vacation; attend a family function; or simply get the break need-ed in order to be able to continue to tend for the care recipient. In addition to New JerseyDepartment of Health and Senior Services and United Way of Northern New Jersey, we aregrateful to the Johnson & Johnson Somerset County Companies Healthcare and Basic NeedsFund for their generous support of our Respite Care Program.* *Eligibility requirements may apply.

Did you know that 50% of medications are taken incorrectly?* This is a concern, particularly for people living with chronic condi-tions who frequently take multiple medications. Since medications are often prescribed by several providers and may be filledat multiple pharmacies, there is an increased risk for medication-related errors. Seniors and young children are especially vul-nerable. There are some easy steps you can take to help protect you and your loved ones from serious medication mismanage-ment related complications, including an unexpected doctor visit or hospital admission.

Request a “Brown Bag Check-Up” at your next regularly scheduled physician appointment. Gather all of your current medica-tions, over-the-counter products, vitamins and supplements into a bag. Your doctor will look for any potential problems includ-ing outdated or discontinued products, duplication of therapy, adverse side effects, dangerous interactions, and incorrectdosage or strength. “Improving understanding of medication actions and side effects is an important step for patients and theirfamily members learning to better self-manage chronic conditions,” said Debbie Levin, RN, VNA Chronic Care Manager. “Thisappointment is an opportunity for them to discuss any concerns and help ensure that they safely receive the greatest benefitfrom both prescribed medications and over the counter products.

The VNA offers in-home nurse visits for those individuals who may benefit from medication management assistance in order toremain living at home safely and independently. Our nurse will help order medications, review dosing schedules, and fill med-ication boxes. For more information about medication safety, our Medication Management Program, and other VNA chronic ill-ness care services, call 908-766-0180 or go to visitingnurse.org.

*Institute for Safe Medication Practices, “Protecting U.S. Citizens from Inappropriate Medication Use”

Through the VNA Respite Care Program, Kathy hasbeen provided assistance on nights and weekends.Knowing her mom is well-cared for and safe, Kathyis now able to participate in networking activities togrow her business, attend training programs, and

have some much needed down time.

The VNA of Somerset Hills was recognized by the Visiting Nurse Association ofAmerica (VNAA) and Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) for ourparticipation in a vulnerable patients study. This project evaluated the specialhome health care needs and costs associated with certain groups of patientswho might be at a disadvantage for accessing the highest level care. These indi-viduals include the frail, elderly, poor and chronically ill. The results of this studywill be presented to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) tohelp demonstrate the value that VNA's provide in communities and theimprovement in care outcomes for patients receiving our services. Ann Painter,President & CEO (l), accepted the award on behalf of our agency from LynnJones, VNAA Board Chair (c), and Andy Carter, past VNAA President & CEO (r).

“I was beginning to feel like a prisoner in my own home. The VNA companion gives me a respite that I need to recharge and keep anyresentment of my duties from overwhelming me—and she likes our dog!”- Kathy M.

VNA Receives National Recognition

Mission StatementTo provide individuals and families with comprehensive, high quality, cost effective home and community health care services, regardless

of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate.

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United Way Grant Benefits Caregiver Respite Program

ChairGrania Allport, RN

1st Vice ChairCharles A. Reid III, Esq

2nd Vice ChairSusan Lichtenberger, RN

SecretaryPeter Mercer

Treasurer Robert Boye

Board of DirectorsCarol ButeraPeter Burke, Esq.Dorothy DeMaio, RN, Ed.D., FAANKatie DooleyCarol EarleNamita Joshi, M.DBrian LawrenceDouglas LiguoriCharlie LindCharles MillerPatricia NeillPeter Orlic, M.D.Juliet Patsalos-FoxMaureen Schneider, RN, MSN, MBA, Ph.D.Missy Witte

Board of Trustees 12-13

Volunteer AwardsChris Chickering from “Household” and Bruce Thomson from “Books” were hon-ored by the VNA Board of Trustees with the VNA Ambassador Award at our FallRummage Sale. This award recognizes volunteers that demonstrate the quali-ties that exemplify the heart and spirit of the Rummage Sale. As long-time con-tact and coordinator for new sale volunteers, Chris is the warm and friendly facewelcoming everyone into the Rummage family. Always willing to take on anyproject during or between sales, Bruce has helped with Book Department con-struction, set-up and tear down for many years.

Meet Christina (Chris) Halsey and George Helmke, two of ourwonderful Rummage Sale volunteers recognized at our FallRummage Sale for their long years of service and dedication!

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“U recognize this?” I looked at my phone’s small screen and read,“To Gustavo, Christmas 1978, Joe Brown” written on cardboard.I knew it well! It was a needlepoint of a red owl in an aluminumframe. Mr. Brown had given it to my uncle who collected owlsfashioned from every material possible. Years after inheritingthe collection, I gave it to my daughter, Lisette. “I bought it!” saidher next message. “Bought it?!” I was puzzled. “From?” I asked.“VNA in Far Hills! A huge rummage sale,” she replied. She nearlycried when she saw it, a teddy bear sticker she had glued on theback as a child still clinging to it.

In a frenzy to prepare for Hurricane Irene, I had sorted clutter inthe basement and made donations to Big Brother Big Sister andthe Somerset County 4H Club. I don’t know how that frameunintentionally wound up among the items I gave away or howit made its way to the VNA sale. What are the chances thatLisette – who doesn’t live in Somerset County and only went tothe sale to accompany a friend looking for picture frames –would find that owl in the first box she looked? What a wonder-ful feeling to know that this item left us temporarily for the goodof others and then came home, its mission accomplished. I can’thelp wondering if Gustavo had something to do with that…”

Honoring Our Volunteers

Family Heirloom Returns Home Via RummageSubmitted by Vivian Bedoya, Franklin Township, NJ

200 Mt. Airy RoadBasking Ridge, NJ 07920

908-766-0180www.visitingnurse.org

Rummage Sale DonationsApril 6-24 • Monday-Saturday10 a.m.-1 p.m. Far Hills Fairgrounds

Rummage SaleFriday and Saturday, May 3 & 49:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Sunday, May 5 • 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.Far Hills Fairgrounds

VNA Annual MeetingMay 14 • 3:30 p.m.VNA Headquarters

Hospice MemorialJune 20 • 5:00 p.m.VNA Headquarters

Non-ProfitUS POSTAGE PAID

Chester, NJPermit No. 468

Upcoming Events

How You Can Help Your gift touches lives.

Did you know a donation of...

$325 provides one week at the Adult Day Center$185 provides one day of Hospice Care$ 50 provides two hours of Home Health

Aide Services

For information about a one-time donation and other giving opportunities, go to visitingnurse.org/ways-to-help.

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