Weekly Tips & Insights

Developed for caregivers, our library provides resources on hospice, private duty, palliative care, and wellness.

Oct 17, 2018
2 min

Analysis on Observation vs. In-patient Status for Medicare Beneficiaries

Often, hospitals put Medicare beneficiaries on observation status, which means they aren’t actually admitted to the hospital - even while wearing an identification wristband and laying in a hospital bed. Know your status Do you know if you’re a hospital inpatient or on observation status? Not knowing the difference can mean missing out on thousands of dollars in coverage. Here’s some clarification: Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care and rehabilitation, inc

Sep 18, 2018
2 min

6 Ways to Reduce Frustration While Caring for Someone with Dementia

Caregiving of any kind can feel like a thankless job, but caring for someone with dementia can be particularly taxing. Feeling frustration from the trials of dealing with this disease is normal; however, regularly experiencing intense levels of frustration can negatively impact your health and the health of those receiving your care. It is important to take preventative measures to manage your emotions before you feel overwhelmed. There are six common unhealthy thought patter

Jul 31, 2018
2 min

Jack and Dawn celebrate 70 years of marriage today. Here's their beautiful love story.

Today, most of us will be thinking about summer; how much is already gone, what vacation time we might have left, or when will school start again. But for Jack and Dawn Harbison, today is always a particularly special day because it’s their wedding anniversary. This year is their 70th. Here's their story: Early Relationship Years Dawn and Jack's romance has moments from an American fairy tale. They were high school sweethearts who first met at the Vinita Park United Methodist

Nov 14, 2017
3 min

LET THERE BE LIGHT | Part 1: A Path to Acceptance at the End of Life Journey

It is said that God only gives us the life he knows we can handle, but during the end-of-life stage, limits become challenged and it is difficult to gauge what circumstances people can endure. We all know that end-of-life is a part of the human journey, but when that time comes, many can become disoriented and disheartened; many only focus on the life events yet to be versus the ones that have happened, and those thoughts can make people scared, isolated and lost. The intern

Jun 21, 2017
3 min

The Share and Prepare Series, part 3: Talking with Doctors about End-of-Life Care.

Once our patients have discussed their end of life care wishes with their loved ones, it is important for them to decide how and when to have the conversation with their healthcare team. Physicians are powerful advocates during the end-of-life process, so it is important they know a patient’s priorities and values. “Everyone should be thinking about what they want towards the end-of-life at any age in their adulthood,” says Dr. Mary Fox, Medical Director for Advanced Illness

Jun 7, 2017
2 min

The Share and Prepare Series, part 1: Talking to loved ones.

At VNA, we know that the end-of-life journey can be difficult to navigate, for yourself or for your loved one. That is why we believe it is important to not only care for our patients but to also be a resource for our community and for St. Louis. Over the next six weeks, as a part of our new “Share and Prepare” series, we will be posting some guidelines and tools helpful in preparation for end-of-life care. We will discuss how to have conversations with family and health care

Dec 13, 2016
2 min

Longtime VNA volunteer shares her role helping patients at the end of life

Anne Marie Schwein has volunteered with Visiting Nurse Association for 19 years. She often visits patients on her own to read, chat or share some of their favorite foods they may not have access to as easily since entering hospice. One patient in particular stands out to Schwein—a woman she visited for over two years that loved chocolate covered strawberries. Schwein would bring the patient strawberries from her own garden during their visits. She eventually attended the pati

Nov 17, 2016
2 min

Best practices on supporting a family member in hospice

Q & A with VNA’s Nurses How can families be supportive of a relative in hospice care? “I think listening is a big thing. We really need to listen to what it is the patient wants, what it is that they’re afraid of, and what they need help with. And not what it is we want. Really listening is the key.” Carol Emmerich, Director, Hospice Care Services “Families need to help support the caregiver and the patient and they can do that through multiple ways. They can visit the patien

Sep 21, 2016
2 min

From Volunteer to Friend

Ten years ago, Gerry Gaines was simply looking for a way to knit more. She loved knitting and so, to her, the opportunity to use that joy for others was an easy decision. She started volunteering with VNA doing just that – knitting shawls and lap blankets for patients. She also spent some time in the office and in other capacities. A little over a year ago, however, Gerry’s role as a volunteer transitioned and she began visiting with a hospice patient. “It was then that I rea

Aug 30, 2016
2 min

Understanding Palliative Care

It is important to understand the difference between hospice and palliative care. While they represent similar kinds of treatment, they impact different kinds of patients. Understanding their difference can help you make informed decisions for yourself or a loved one. Palliative care is for patients of any age and at any stage of a serious illness or chronic condition (Center to Advance Palliative Care). If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with cancer, for example, p

Aug 12, 2016
1 min

A Touching Memorial for a VNA Patient

Caring for people at end of life brings hospice caregivers into contact with a variety of people and stories. At VNA, our staff and volunteers have the opportunity to know patients, along with their families and friends, in a deeply unique way. Walking with patients during such a poignant time is something to be valued and celebrated. We are thankful for our chance to be witness to such special moments. One of our chaplains and nurses recently shared a story comes about one

Jul 22, 2016
1 min

VNA volunteer crochets prayer blankets to bring comfort to hospice patients

Since 2013, Pam Zeman has been hand crocheting blankets and prayer shawls for hospice patients and family members. As a VNA volunteer for 14 years, Pam has found that this small act of service is a powerful way to tangibly provide the warmth and care to patients in need. Pam carefully works on each blanket with love and prayer. She hopes the gift not only provide comfort but also serves as a symbol of remembrance long after their time of use. Because many patients receiving t

Jun 15, 2016
1 min

"My Head" - A poem about the impact of Alzheimers written by an Alzheimers patient.

“Sister Marje” who passed away on January 6, 2016. Sister was a professed Religious Sister for 70 years. In her memoir, she said, “Life has become more of a matter of each present moment. I am grateful for my religious call. I am grateful for my family and all my life’s experience. I am grateful that a time will come, perhaps soon, when I receive my final summons. I praise God for everything.” When Sister Marje was diagnosed with ‪#‎Alzheimers‬ Dementia in 2005, she wrote the

Apr 13, 2016
1 min

Compassionate care for all faith traditions: A report from VNA's Chaplaincy Resident, Regina Gra

The report below is from an interview with Regina Gray, Chaplaincy Resident at VNA in St. Louis, on April 1, 2016. Regina Gray is a seminary student at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. She came to VNA in St. Louis to fulfill her contextual aid placement and pursue an interest in hospice care. Caring for multiple faith traditions at VNA Over the last year, Regina has worked with multiple faith leaders and clergy across denominations and faith traditions to improve V

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