Letter from the CEO

Krystin Albert; RN, BSN

April is upon us, the days are getting longer, and mother nature is showing us a glimpse of warm weather. This is a very busy month here at Franklin VNA & Hospice. We have Administrative Professional Day where we acknowledge our administrative staff for all the hard work they do every single day. They are the backbone of the agency. Our Liaison navigates the facilities, securing referrals and building our relationships. While in the office our Intake, medical records, billing department and managers work collaboratively to ensure referrals are complete, insurance and authorization are obtained, billing is timely, schedules are made, and many other administrative tasks are completed daily. It requires organization, attention to detail, and teamwork to stay up to date on the changes in regulations and requirements. Our office nurses are triaging calls and providing patients and the community with the support they need. Education for staff, facilities and the community are always ongoing to keep current and be able to better serve our communities. If you visit or call our office, you will be greeted by our receptionist, she is the face and voice of the agency ensuring all callers feel heard and supported as well as directed to the appropriate staff member.

Volunteer appreciation week is also acknowledged in April. We celebrate our Hospice volunteers who graciously give their time to visit patients and families either in their home or at a facility. They provide companionship, support, run errands and sit vigil when called upon. Office support from our volunteers consists of bereavement calls, mailings as well as other office tasks. We are truly blessed to have such an active group of volunteers dedicated to the mission of the agency. Our volunteers and volunteers in our community offer their services several times a year for fall and spring cleanup, agency events and tend to our hospice garden. We appreciate all of you and thank you for all that you do for our agency and patients all year round.



Lastly, in the month of April we recognize our Occupational Therapy staff. They have the knowledge and experience needed to help patients with restoring functions focusing on personal care, activities around the house and getting back out into the community. OT provides recommendations and guidance on modifications needed within the home to make the environment safer for a patient. They educate caregivers and patients regarding their treatment plan, their existing conditions, and provide support. They teach energy conservation strategies and provide education on how to reduce the risk of falls. They identify a person’s need for adaptive equipment and training on how to use the equipment properly which helps promote a patient’s independence and or maintain their current level of assistance. They are trained to address cognitive issues that impact their daily activities and develop strategies to make tasks easier and help with medication management. Our OT’s are another vital part of our staff at Franklin VNA and we appreciate each one of them and their knowledge and compassion they bring to our patients. 

Franklin VNA and Hospice is always here to help you and your loved ones with any of your healthcare needs. Remember that you have a choice, choose

Franklin VNA and Hospice for your

Home Care and Hospice agency

Germ of the Month

Measles

Kristel Mattice; RN, MSN

Measles is a very contagious virus that can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children. Measles is an airborne virus that can spread throughout the room if an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Common symptoms include high fevers, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a red splotchy rash that typically covers the entire body. Serious complications are ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis.

The most effective protection against the measles is receiving a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those who are unvaccinated are considered high risk for contracting the virus. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are noted to be 97% effective in protecting an individual against the virus. If you have questions or concerns be sure to reach out to your primary care provider.

For more information visit:https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html

What's Happening in April?

What is Parkinson’s

According to parkinson.org; It is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. The cause remains largely unknown. It is believed by schientists that is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What are the main symptoms and signs of Parkinson's

• Tremors, mainly at rest
• Slowness of movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia)
• Limb stiffness (rigidity)
• Gait and Balance problems
• Smaller handwriting than usual
• Loss of smell
• A change in your voice when not ill



In addition to movement-related (“motor”) symptoms, Parkinson’s symptoms may be unrelated to movement. People with Parkinson’s disease are often more impacted by their non-motor symptoms than motor symptoms. Examples of non-motor symptoms include: depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disorders, loss of sense of smell, and a variety of cognitive impairments.

There is no cure for Parkinsons, however treatment options vary and include medications, lifestyle adjustments and sometimes even surgery. Parkinson’s is not a fatal disease but complications of the disease can be serious in some cases.

People living with Parkinson’s can have a good quality of live and live a long life with this Disease. Those who seek expert care have these better outcomes.

Whether you are questioning Parkinson's or newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for a while, getting the right care at the right time can make a difference for you and your family. Be sure to reach our to your doctor with any questions and to spread awareness this month to help others.

For more information visit: https://www.parkinson.org

National Donate Life Month is a time to educate and bring awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation, and to honor and remember donors and the lives they have saved.

During April and throughout the year, you can join in helping save lives by registering to be an organ, eye or tissue donor.

How Donation Works

There are two main categories of donation. Donation after life and living organ donation. Donation after life, it is deturmined what is able to be donated. Living organ donation, you can donate a kidney, a piece of your liver and certain other organs and tissues. To become a living organ donor you must meet certain criteria and may need to undergo physical exams, lab tests and screenings for conditions before you are able to donate. You register as a donor in the state in which you reside.

Please consider visiting the website below to learn more and find donor registries.



Continue to spread awareness and hope as organ donation is such a rewarding and needed gift.

Visit: https://donatelife.net/how-you-can-help/national-observances-celebrations/ndlm/

National Healthcare Decisions Day is an annual initiative celebrated on April 16th to encourage and empower people to begin or continue conversations about their wishes for healthcare through their life. The initiatives aim is to educate people on the importance of advance care planning.

Remember that advanced directives are not just meant for later in life, it is encouraged that individuals of ALL ages should have their wishes written down and known by their loved ones regarding their healthcare wishes.

Please join us at our free Advanced Care Planning Education Session below, everyone is welcome.

https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/

Recipe of the Month

Employee Recognition

Volunteers

Looking to fufill a need of wanting to help people? Have you ever considered volunteering? We have an opportunity for you to join our amazing team! See below.

Current Fundraisers

Join us and sign up today!

SAVE THE DATE!

With a donation of $50 you receive a custom brick in the memory of a lost loved one. The brick will be honored in the Teuscher-Wilson Hospice Garden, which is pictured at the top left. Bricks are on sale all year round and dedicated in a ceremony once a year.

 Other opportunities are open for larger donations as Diamond, Opal, and Amethyst sponsors. Please click on the link below for more information.

Clinics and Free Support Groups

Drop-In Grief Support Group

no registration needed

Employment Opportunities