November Letter from the CEO

Krystin Albert; RN, BSN

November is Home Health and Hospice Month, a time to recognize the compassionate care given by professionals within our community. It fits well in the month of November as we approach the season of gratitude and reflection. The work they do on a daily basis goes above and beyond as they work long hours. Bonds are formed with not just patients but families, and the emotional toll it takes on the provider never gets easier. The many benefits of home care consist of reduced rehospitalizations, improved quality of life, cost effective care in the comfort of their homes, and improved emotional and psychological wellbeing for all involved.

The care provided is essential for allowing people to remain safely in their home. Whether you’re recovering from an illness or surgery, or managing a chronic illness, home care helps to provide a smooth transition from the hospital to home. Services may include skilled nurses, nurse’s aides, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and or social workers. It has been proven that most people have better outcomes, more personal care experience, and increased satisfaction when utilizing home care services.

If faced with a terminal illness you can choose Hospice care to focus on improving your quality of life and comfort Hospice will be with you every step of the way. Symptoms are managed in your home without having to go to a medical office or hospital. You are surrounded by loved ones and supported by the team that sees you. Hospice care encompasses physical, spiritual as well as emotional care. You may be surprised at the support that is available. Besides nurses, social workers, and nurse’s aides, you can speak with a chaplain and receive volunteer services all while living your best life comfortable and with dignity in your own home.

As the CEO of one of the smaller nonprofit home health agencies in NH I want to personally thank my team for the compassionate individualized care they provide to each of our patients and their professionalism while representing Franklin VNA & Hospice out in our communities. What you do does make a difference every single day. It does not go unnoticed and because of the work you do people get to spend their last days of life at home surrounded by loved ones. They get to discharge home to recover after surgery or illness with personalized care in the comfort of their home.

In honor of those who are out in the field, show gratitude by sending thank you notes to the organizations, share your personal stories and experience with others, as well as making a tax deductible donation to help agencies continue to provide the excellent care regardless of the cuts in insurance reimbursement and funds available within the counties. 

Franklin VNA and Hospice is here to support you and the community’s needs. 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 November

DHHS is working with its partners that traditionally help people who need assistance going to the grocery store to help people get to a food pantry. The New Hampshire Food Bank and its local partners are also working to help connect people with the food supply in their local communities.

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.

November Education

Germ of the Month

RSV 

(Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

By: Kaitlin Kasse, RN

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Most people recover in one to two weeks, however infants, older adults, and those with heart or lung disease may be at risk for a more serious infection. RSV typically peaks in the winter months, so now is the time to take precautions!

RSV is spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by touching contaminated surfaces, or through close contact such as sharing a cup or kissing.

Symptoms are typically mild for most, including a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and decreased appetite. In those at risk of more severe infection symptoms may include wheezing, fast breathing, or difficulty breathing/ blue lips or fingernails, signs of dehydration, and high fever. If these symptoms occur, you should seek medical care through your provider, urgent care, or the emergency room.

Most cases improve with rest, fluids, and fever control using over the counter medicines like Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Using a humidifier may also be helpful. It is important to wash or sanitize your hands often, avoid touching your face, avoid close contact with sick persons, cover coughs or sneezes, and stay home while sick. Avoid close contact with newborns, infants, and other high-risk individuals if you have symptoms. Vaccines are now available for infants, pregnant mothers, and adults over 50.

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

Employee Recognition

Recipe of the Month

Fundraisers

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