Caring Connections ... at your door
Every visit tells a story ...
W
hen the doctors told my wife, Peggy, that they couldn’t do anything else for her, they said, ‘Call Home Health.’ I didn’t even know what Home Health was, but it was the best call I could have made.”
Annette, Sue, Sophia, Nancy, Amanda and Dale - she spent her last moments at home,” said Roland. Having her at home meant family and friends could stop in to visit when they wanted to instead of worrying about hospital hours. Peggy even got to enjoy her grandchildren. “And if I wasn’t sure of something, I knew I could call and ask, ‘Is this right?’ and get an answer or a work around,” Roland said.
This is how Roland Daudelin starts the story of his hospice experience during his wife’s final days. When the doctor suggested calling the Agency, Peggy was not expected to live until Christmas. But with the care she received from her husband and our hospice team, Peggy not only made it to Christmas, she made it to the next Christmas as well. “Thanks to the care from my angels -
“Hospice is personal.
Hospice volunteers provided Roland respite and even shared their favorite recipe for meat pie. “When the time came,” he continued, “Peggy asked me to come and snuggle with her. I dozed off and ten minutes later, she was gone. It was a nice way of going, if you don’t mind my saying. I would do it again in a flash. Hospice is personal. It made everything that means a lot to me possible.”
It made everything that means a lot to me possible.
”
Changing Lives
Service to Others
Nurse-Family Partnership®
Oren J. Lane Community Service Award
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illian was only 15 when she found out she was pregnant. By the time she confessed to her Mom, she was already almost three months along. Jillian was lucky. Her mother had heard about the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program from a friend at work whose daughter was enrolled. At 15 Jillian was not ready to be a parent. With gentle coaching and guidance, along with regular visits from her Nurse, Jillian gave birth to a healthy seven pound baby girl. Over the next two years, with help from her Nurse making the community connections she needed, Jillian was well on the way to earning her GED and considering Community College and a career in nursing. Plus, her daughter was thriving, eager to talk and play with books.
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ach year, the Agency presents the Oren J. Lane Community Service Award to a someone who has gone above and beyond to serve others and to whom the community is more than just a place to live and work. The recipient for the 2015 Award was Cynthia Rugg.
many made possible by NFP, an evidence-based program that supports women pregnant with their first baby through the child’s second birthday. The Agency provides NFP throughout Franklin, Grand Isle and Lamoille Counties thanks to the support of the HRSA Maternal Infant Early Child Home Visiting Program through the Vermont Department of Health.
Jillian’s success story is only one of
D
id you wash your hands?” How many times did you hear that as a kid?
In a recent training, our Care Attendants learned about the importance of Infection Control and Hand Hygiene using an interactive web-based training module prepared by the Centers for Disease Control. This training was greatly enhanced through the use of new Smart TVs that have been installed in both the St. Albans and Enosburg offices thanks to a generous bequest from Earl and Arlene Hazelton. The Hazeltons remembered the Agency in their will in appreciation for the care they both received from Home Health.
Making a Difference Leave a Legacy
BY THE NUMBERS
Almost fifty years ago, a young nurse recognized the need for continued care while people recovered at home after leaving the hospital. With help from the community, this young nurse – Cynthia Rugg – founded our Agency.
Cynthia Rugg accepts her award from Janet McCarthy and board Chair Bridget Howrigan Rivet.
she worked with the Agency to create the Rugg Johnson Fund to provide resources to recruit and retain talented staff while also recognizing our founders.
Cynthia is still thinking of ways to improve home health care. Last year,
The new equipment is used monthly in traininings for Care Attendants, key Agency staff who spend up to a full day in client’s homes helping them with day to day activities. In addition to Infection Control, Care Attendants have already learned about topics such as Handling Change, and Range of Motion. All staff have access to the new equipment to build their expertise.
If you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference and give back with a lasting gift through your will, please contact us for more information.
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Our care spans a lifetime, serving the needs of the very newest members of our community to the needs of our neighbors at the end of life. Last year: Our 203 staff drove 761,525 miles and made 79,788 home visits To 1,756 Franklin County clients and families
Blue Jean Ball ver 200 people celebrated “Mardi Gras Style” at our 7th Annual Blue Jean Ball, helping us raise almost $50,000.
From the volunteers to guests to our sponsors – we couldn’t do it without you! Thank you. Your work
1,441 of whom were adults 19 to over 100
We cared for an average of 749 people each month.
315 of whom were under the age of 18 We provided care to 656 people in our Foot Clinics
Our 39 Hospice volunteers provided 1,764 hours of care 572 people were and immunized administrative in our support. Flu Clinics.
We provided $520,000 in charity and uncompensated care, representing 6% of our operating budget, ensuring all who need care receive it.
Our $8,782,246 operating revenue supported 12 major home health programs and community health services. Jill Berry Bowen, Lisa Hango and Judy Zsoldos were among our guests at the Ball.
and support is a critical part of our success, which in turn translates into more access to home health care for those who need it most. A special thanks to this year’s Ultra Fit Sponsors, Ben & Jerry’s, Perrigo and Superior Technical Ceramics. Save the date for next year, Saturday, October 22, 2016.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Home Care Hospice Palliative Care Pediatric Palliative Care High-tech Nursing Long Term Care Homemaker
Maternal Child Health Childbirth Education Nurse-Family Partnership® CareNet, Private Duty Wellness Programs and Screenings
Meet Our Staff - Deb Peloubet, RN
Winter Safety at Home
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think I’ve always wanted to be a nurse! But it took me a few years. I started my career at Home Health as a homemaker, helping people with their chores and meals. Gradually, and with the Agency’s help, I got my LNA and finally became a Registered Nurse. Throughout my educational journey I always felt fully supported. Now, thirty years later, I stay at Home Health because I know I am helping people everyday. I love it when I can help someone manage their blood pressure or stay out of the hospital. Sometimes a simple change can make the difference.”
Deb’s story is one of many. We pride ourselves on “growing our own” by dedicating resources to staff education, development and training. We see this as a way to tell our staff we care about them and want them to continue to provide excellent care to the people of Franklin County. This is made possible through the generous donors to our Rugg Johnson Fund for Staff Development.
3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478 802.527.7531 | www.fchha.org |
[email protected]
Thank you all for helping us to not only provide the care but to make use of the time we had with Gramma. This time was of the highest quality and filled with many happy moments. - A Grateful Hospice Family Find us on:
inter poses challenges for all of us but especially for family and friends at risk of falling. Here are suggestions from our rehab staff on how to keep your home safe. • • • •
Make sure rugs are secure Remove clutter to prevent falls Secure lamp and other cords Clear your steps and walk of snow and ice • Test to ensure that indoor and outdoor railings are secure • Install non-skid strips in the tub and under rugs • Illuminate the path to bathroom, etc. with nightlights. If you are in our care, contact us for recommendations to make your home safe and accessible.
