Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to give thanks and recognize the home health heroes during National Care at Home Month, which celebrates the various types of in-home care, including home health care, private duty home care, hospice care, and palliative care. This special month also honors the care and support family caregivers provide to their loved ones. Throughout November, Cornerstone Visiting Nurse Association has been paying tribute to these healthcare heroes.
 
National Family Caregiver’s Day – Nov. 1
 
According to Julie Reynolds, RN, MS, Cornerstone VNA president/CEO, “Family caregivers play a critical role in helping people stay at home, where most prefer to be cared for. At Cornerstone VNA we see firsthand the struggles and sacrifices that caregivers go through each day along with compassion in caring for their loved ones. Caregivers need support and resources to help them get through. Cornerstone VNA is here for our community of caregivers with education, training, and support. If you know someone caring for a loved one at home, each day is a good day to recognize their efforts and support them in any way you can.”

Cornerstone VNA proudly supports Caregivers throughout the year through monthly Caregiver Cafés, an Annual Caregivers Connect event, special trainings, workshops, and quarterly e-newsletters.
 
Palliative and Advanced Care Week – Nov. 4-8
 
Through Cornerstone VNA’s Palliative Care program, their skilled Nurse Practitioners specialize in chronic care management and geropsychiatric care, helping patients enhance their quality of life while reducing hospital visits through effective symptom management and education. According to a Palliative Care patient, “I don’t think people really understand the benefit of Palliative Care. I think they often panic and think it means that they are ready for hospice, but that’s not the case. Through Palliative Care, my Nurse Practitioner has helped me manage my chronic illness so that I can have a better quality of life and be more comfortable.”
 
Hospice Week – November 11-15
 
Cornerstone VNA is honored to serve patients in the community and provide compassionate care and comfort at the end of life. Their dedicated Hospice Care team is available 24/7 to provide individualized support for patients of all ages and their families. As a proud Pet Peace of Mind Partner, Cornerstone VNA also helps patients care for their beloved pets through this journey. Additionally, as a Level Five Partner with the ‘We Honor Veterans’ program, they ensure that veterans receive the respect and quality end-of-life care they deserve.
 
Home Health Week – Nov. 18-22
 
As Cornerstone VNA’s largest program, the Home Care team cares for nearly 4,000 patients per year, and provides over 58,600 home visits. The Home Care team includes skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical social workers, licensed nursing assistants, and companion volunteers, who help patients recover and thrive in the comfort of their own homes.

There have been many advancements in home health services over the years, which have greatly enhanced the care provided to patients and their families. Cornerstone VNA provides remote monitoring of high-risk patients through a Telehealth program, and many clinicians are certified in specialty areas such as wound care, ostomy care, IV therapy, lymphedema, vestibular, pediatrics, and more, which is important for treating a variety of complex conditions.
 
Private Duty Home Care Week – Nov. 25-29
 
Life Care is Cornerstone VNA’s private duty non-medical program offering supportive services to help people stay independent and comfortable at home. The program is perfect for individuals wishing to age in place, or for caregivers in need of support for their loved ones.
 
According to Jennifer Ufkin, VP of Operations and incoming president/CEO of Cornerstone VNA, “The care provided in the home has evolved significantly, especially over the past two decades. Thanks to advanced technology applications and a steady focus on the continuing education of our staff to provide specialized services, we are committed to meeting the diverse health and wellness needs of our local communities. It is an honor to work with such an amazing team and recognize them all during National Care at Home Month.”

About Cornerstone VNA:
Cornerstone VNA is a nonprofit home health and hospice care provider, currently serving over 45 towns Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap and Carroll Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The team at Cornerstone VNA provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care-Private Duty and Community Care. For over 111 years, Cornerstone VNA has been committed to bringing services to people of all ages so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end-of-life care. To learn more about Cornerstone VNA, visit www.cornerstonevna.org or call 800-691-1133