January Letter from the CEO

Krystin Albert; RN, BSN

Living Well in 2026

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, the Home Care community is entering a year filled with renewed purpose. Families and caregivers continue to choose home based care not just so that they can receive care in the comfort of their own home, but for the proven ability to heal and rehab faster and support a higher quality of life. It is especially important for elderly adults and individuals managing chronic illnesses.

In 2026 you will see an increased focus on “Aging in Place”. More individuals want to stay at home to receive services and care. For this to happen we need to have more care providers, increased education and support for the caregivers, and a way to make modifications in the home safer and more affordable. People are living longer and their desire to maintain their independence, dignity, and housing versus relocating to institutional care is in high demand. The concept of Aging in Place supports emotional wellbeing, decreases healthcare costs, as well as keeps the individual connected with their community.

The concept of remaining at home is not a simple solution. It takes community resources to assist an individual to be safe in their environment. Lifeline and Meals on Wheels are just a couple of resources that are available. Technology, telehealth, and other in-home devices can monitor and provide communication for those living alone to an outside monitoring company.

As a community we need to embrace this shift in our society and work towards being a part of the solution. Franklin VNA & Hospice works diligently and advocates for patients to remain safe in their home. Our team of professionals can make recommendations on equipment needed for both personal care as well as activities of daily living. Education is provided, support systems identified, and connections with appropriate resources are initiated.

Let 2026 be your year to choose “Living well”!

Thank you for choosing Franklin VNA and Hospice as your Home Health and Hospice agency and for sharing your experience with our services with others. It is because of you that we are able to continue to remain a small independent hometown agency.

Remember that you have a choice, choose

Franklin VNA and Hospice for your

Home Care and Hospice agency

What's Happening in January

CAPBM's Mobile Food Assistance Program delivers to those who cannot get to a pantry, including homebound elderly individuals in Merrimack and Belknap Counties. Please contact the Mobile Food Pantry at (603) 228-6202 or email MobileFood@capbm.org

Applications for the Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties' Fuel Assistance Program opened October 1, offering heating cost support to eligible households throughout the winter. Income-based and at no cost to applicants, the program helps with oil, gas, electric, wood, or pellet heating bills and is paid directly to vendors or landlords. If you live outside of these counties and are in need of fuel assistance, check with your local community action program for more information.

January Education

Germ of the Month

Scabies

Kristel Mattice; RN, MSN

Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, also known as scabies is a human itch mite. Scabies are microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, causing irritation and itching. They lay eggs under the top layer of human skin, where they spread rapidly. These mites cause severe itching and a red rash on the areas they fester. 

Scabies most commonly burrow between fingers or skin folds such as wrists, elbows, knees, and armpits. Scabies outbreaks are common among nursing homes, skilled care facilities, childcare facilities, and detention facilities due to crowded conditions. 

Transmission occurs from direct skin-to-skin contact, sharing clothing items or towels with an infected person, or having close contact with an infected person. This makes distance and protection around those with scabies very important.

Treatment includes a prescription cream to kill mites and their eggs. In addition, clothing, bedding, and areas of immediate contact must be cleaned properly to avoid further spread. 



https://www.cdc.gov/scabies

Employee Recognition

Recipe of the Month

Fundraisers

Sign Up Now for 5k!

Looking for a way to remember a loved one?

How about in our Hospice Garden?

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