VNA Care NetworkVNA of BostonVNA Hospice & Palliative Care

Spring 2017

Family remembers mom’s love of life and “amazing” hospice team who cared for herElizabeth “Bettie” Copplestone’s name appears on the memorial plaque just inside the Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home in Needham.

“The sparkle in her was so contagious,” said Nancy Hazeltine, RN, a hospice nurse who cared for Bettie at home and at the Tippett Home for a year.

Bettie always had a smile and a story to tell. She was known for her daily swims across Morses Pond in Wellesley. Her careers included school bus driver, fitness instructor, and manager and then owner of an industrial supply company. Bettie founded the nursery at Trinity Church in Boston and helped care for the children there for 58 years.

She loved books, old movies, acting in the Wellesley Players and Big Theater for Little People, and spending time with her four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Bettie remained active into her 90’s. When her health began failing at age 94, her family turned to VNA Hospice & Palliative Care for support.

“We’re not medical people,” said Sherry Landry, one of Bettie’s daughters. “Just having Nancy on the other side of the phone made it possible for Mom to stay home longer.”

Sherry remembered, “My first experience with hospice was when Jaya (Asthana), the social worker, asked to meet. We didn’t think we needed a social worker. When we met her, our minds changed. She was a wonderful, neutral ear … and wonderful support for us.”

Jaya also introduced the family to the Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home, one of three hospice residences operated by VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. The residence provides hospice care in homelike surroundings for times when it is not possible or optimal to remain at home. Bettie spent

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Moving forward, you’ll be seeing our new logo, which shows that our heart is in the home.

Family remembers...continued on p. 6 Elizabeth “Bettie” Copplestone

Yoffies’ legacy advances patient care through clinical education VNA of Boston, VNA Care Network, and VNA Hospice & Palliative Care are able to provide advanced health care services in patients’ homes in part from donor support of educational opportunities.

Physical therapists Nikki Ducey and Karen Patterson achieved certification in geriatrics from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists thanks to a bequest from William A. Yoffie and Judith S. Yoffie. These therapists’ advanced clinical knowledge enables them to mentor other clinicians and provide highly skilled care to help older patients continue living safely at home.

The Yoffies’ support of clinical education has been instrumental in establishing new programs. The bequest enabled clinicians to complete training in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG® and LSVT LOUD® therapies for Parkinson’s patients and vestibular therapy to treat people with inner ear problems that cause chronic dizziness or imbalance.

VNA Care awarded reaccreditation The country’s largest standards-setting and accrediting organization in health care recently awarded reaccreditation to VNA of Boston, VNA Care Network, and VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, all part of VNA Care.

The Joint Commission’s mission is “to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective

care of the highest quality and value.”

Surveyors from The Joint Commission visited several of VNA Care’s offices and accompanied clinicians on visits to patients and families as part of the voluntary reaccreditation process. VNA Care has maintained The Joint Commission’s “gold seal of approval” for many years as part of our continued commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Bequest Society honors donors during their lifetimeThe Caring Bequest Society recognizes individuals during their lifetime for including VNA Care Network, VNA Hospice & Palliative Care, and/or VNA of Boston in their estate plans.

Individuals may leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage, the residual of their estate, or an asset, such as real estate, through their will. If you already have a will, a codicil allows you to add a bequest or make other changes without replacing the will.

Your legal counsel can provide assistance in making a bequest. We generally recommend:

1. Naming VNA Care Network/VNA Hospice & Palliative Care/VNA of Boston as the designated organization. All are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations.

2. Make the gift unrestricted (this is preferred because it gives us flexibility to respond to the health care challenges and needs of the future) or specify a certain area, such as hospice, hospice residence, or home health care.

3. Specify the amount or percentage of the gift.

If donors advise VNA Care about their bequest, they are welcomed as members of the Caring Bequest Society during their lifetime.

For more information about how your legacy can make a lasting impact, please contact Jane Woodbury, vice president of fund development, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1360 or Jane_Woodbury@vnacare.org.

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Milestones made possible through your support: VNA of Worcester celebrates 125th, Rose Monahan Hospice Home marks 20th anniversaryDuring the early 1890s, Dr. Homer Gage observed that many months of hospital care were often undone when patients did not receive any care at home.

He proposed to the executive committee of the Memorial Hospital trustees that a nurse could visit patients in their homes to change dressings, teach families to give care, and more so the hospital’s work was not in vain. Dr. Gage supplied $600, donated by friends of the hospital, to support the work of a visiting nurse for one year. Miss Elizabeth Penny became Worcester’s first “district nurse” in 1892.

This was one of many firsts in the nonprofit’s 125-year history, including becoming the first home health agency in Massachusetts to receive Medicare certification. VNA of Worcester established Hospice of Central Massachusetts, which would become the first Medicare-certified hospice in the Commonwealth in 1984.

Donors have played a critical role in the organization’s history. The

community’s support made it possible for the agency to open the first hospice home in Central Massachusetts, the Hospice Residence on Coes Pond in Worcester, 20 years ago. When it became clear that the residence needed to offer more complex care, the community generously responded once again. A capital campaign funded improvements to convert the residence into the first inpatient hospice in Central Massachusetts and only the second in the state in 2007. At this time, the home was named in honor of Rose Monahan.

As our home health care and hospice services have evolved, so too have our names. VNA of Worcester is now VNA Care Network, and Hospice of Central Massachusetts is VNA Hospice & Palliative Care. Both organizations are part of the VNA Care family of nonprofit, community-based visiting nurse associations. We are grateful for the support of our donors, volunteers, and staff for making these milestone anniversaries possible!

A nurse from the Worcester VNA on a home visit in 1910.

The Monahan Home opened 20 years ago as the first hospice residence in Central Massachusetts.

A 1995 drawing of the proposed Hospice Residence on Coes Pond, now the Rose Monahan Hospice Home.

VNA of Worcester added physical and occupational therapy in the 1970s. Today, laser therapy is among the treatment options provided by the rehabilitation team.

The Monahan Home has 10 bedrooms overlooking Coes Pond in Worcester.

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Honorary Gala Chairs Belinda & Henri Termeer

VNA of Boston presented Heroes in Health Care Awards to three honorees for their profound and sustained roles in shaping our community. From left: Michael Minogue, Heroes honoree and CEO, president, and chairman of Abiomed; Diane Leclair, chair of the VNA Care board of directors; Mary Ann O’Connor, president, and CEO of VNA Care; Diane Bergeron, Heroes honoree and former vice president of hospice and advanced illness management for VNA Hospice & Palliative Care; and John Greed, president and CEO of Mutual of America, who accepted the Heroes award on behalf of his company.

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Honorary Gala Committee Mayor Martin J. Walsh Susan Windham-Bannister, PhD & Gordon Bannister Edward J. Benz Jr., MD Amy & Joshua Boger Sandra L. Fenwick Larry Jasinski Nancy & Gene Lindsey, MD Elizabeth G. Nabel, MD Emily Rooney Deborah A. Scott, MD Kevin Tabb, MD Ronald & Shawnda Walker, II Kate Walsh

Gala Chairs Linda Hope-Springer & Loriann Meagher

Gala Committee Chairs Debra Angeloni & Renee Picard Walsh

Fund the Mission Chairs Diane Leclair & John Murphy

Gala Committee Judy A. Beal, D.N.Sc., RN Barbara Belony Marie Davis, PT Donna Dupee Maura Everett Debra Nowak, PT Susan H. Servais Judy Walsh Jay White

From left: Linda Hope-Springer, Loriann Meagher, Debra Angeloni, and Renee Picard Walsh

From left: Belinda and Henri Termeer and Mary Ann O’Connor

Susan and Arnie ServaisFrom left: Jason Hurd, Dr. Mallika Marshall, Emily Rooney, and David Brown

Mistress of Ceremonies Dr. Mallika Marshall

Fund the Mission Ambassador David Brown

11th annual Heroes in Health Care Gala funds vital home health careThe unwavering support and generosity of sponsors and friends of VNA of Boston made the 11th annual Heroes in Health Care Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, one of the most successful to date. The evening raised over $290,000 for the Maternal Child Health Program and Charitable Care Fund as well as the annual Fund the Mission drive, which was dedicated to the new Palliative Care Program for patients with serious illnesses.

Presenting Sponsor ($25,000)

Benefactors ($5,000)Diane BergeronAtlantic Charter Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston Children’s Hospital Byram HealthcareCVS HealthForcuraMcBeeMedline IndustriesSuburban Homemaking & Maternity AgencySullivan’s Pharmacy & Medical SupplyTD Bank

Supporters ($3,000)Deborah & Ron FeinsteinJohn & Denise MurphyMarni & Bob WiseBlue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts BMC HealthNet PlanBrigham & Women’s HospitalCeltiCare HealthClinLogicaCoram CVS Specialty Infusion Services Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteEastern BankEnos Home MedicalHologicMcKesson Patient Care SolutionsMedtronic Care Management ServicesSupplemental Health Care

Richard and Melissa Rakowski of patron sponsor Medically Home

From left: Joe and Kate Gerardi, Chris and Meggan Bailey, and Mike and Jean Maguire from trustee sponsor Mutual of America

Jason MacKey and Heidi Williams from benefactor sponsor Sullivan’s Pharmacy & Medical Supply

Adriana and Elan Sassoon

Shawnda and Ronald Walker

Trustee ($15,000)

MUTUAL OF AMERICAYour Ret i rement Company®

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Patrons ($10,000)

MEDICALLY HOME

In-Kind Sponsors Media Sponsor

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We can’t do it without you! Donors like you are making a difference in local communities by planning fundraisers and other events that gain vital support for home health and hospice care. Learn more about volunteering on a Community Cabinet or Friends group.

Contact Jane Woodbury, vice president of fund development, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1360 or Jane_Woodbury@vnacare.org.

How to reach us Service Information 800-728-1862

Donations and Mailing List 888-663-3688, ext. 1365 giving@vnacare.org

Online www.vnacare.org www.facebook.com/vnacare.org www.twitter.com/vnacare

efforts to open a hospice residence in Needham for the terminally ill, inspired her to get involved with fundraising efforts.

When Frank had a massive heart attack in 2000, VNA Care Network’s home health care team aided his recovery. Louise remembered, “He was very happy with the care, and I was too.”

Throughout the years, she’s seen the impact VNA Care’s home health and hospice services have had on the lives of friends and neighbors. Louise became one of the first members of VNA Care’s newly formed Needham Area Community Cabinet in 2014 and co-chairs the volunteer group. The Cabinet has raised over $100,000 for home health care, hospice care, and the Stanley R. Tippett Hospice Home.

Louise cites shorter hospital stays as one of the many reasons to support VNA Care’s mission.

She said, “To go home from the hospital and know someone will come and make sure you’re okay is wonderful.”

Louise “graduated” from the Joint Replacement Program in just four weeks. She’s back at work selling homes and planning another fundraiser with her fellow volunteers on the Needham Area Community Cabinet. (Visit www.vnacare.org/jazz or call 888-663-3688, ext. 1361 to learn more about More Cool Hot Jazz on Sept. 22 at the Needham Golf Club.)

Longtime supporter becomes first-time patient...continued from back cover

time at Tippett over the summer for respite care, and returned to the residence in the fall.

Sherry said the care was a “step above what we’ve experienced.” It was comforting to know hospice volunteers sat with Bettie between visits from her own family, and that someone always responded no matter how many times Bettie rang her bell.

“People think about hospice as a place for when you’re ready to die. The support this team gives is so much more than that,” said Sherry.

Bettie passed away at the Tippett Home on Nov. 17, 2016, at the age of 95.

“Everyone (at the Tippett Home) was just amazing,” said Sherry. Bettie’s family asked friends to support care at the Tippett Home by making donations in her memory, in lieu of flowers.

Families may also honor loved ones

and support hospice care through the memorial plaques at each of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care’s hospice residences. Donations of a single gift or multiple gifts totaling $500 may have a loved one’s name added to the plaque.

“Everyone at the Tippett Home became so important to us,” said Sherry. “We wanted a piece of my Mom here (at the Tippett Home), and her name was a way to do that. We also wanted to support the home financially.”

Your Caring Matters

For more information about the plaques or making a memorial donation, please contact Jane Woodbury, vice president of fund development, at 888-663-3688, ext. 1360 or Jane_Woodbury@vnacare.org. Gifts may be made with the enclosed donation envelope or on our website, www.vnacare.org/donors.

Family remembers ...continued from front cover

The Woburn Friends of VNA Hospice & Palliative Care recently accepted a proclamation from Mayor Scott D. Galvin of Woburn. The honor recognized VNA Hospice & Palliative Care’s staff and volunteers’ work to provide compassionate care and comfort to those facing a serious or terminal illness. Pictured from left are Richard Haggerty, Ann Mooney, Susan Jamieson, Mayor Scott D. Galvin, Connie McGilvray, co-chair of the Woburn Friends, Carol Flaherty, and Robert Brown, treasurer of the Woburn Friends.

Spring cleaning: how to safely dispose of unused medicationsDoes your medicine cabinet contain medications that are past the expiration date or simply no longer needed or wanted? Taking care in disposing of them brings more benefits than additional shelf space.

A few extra steps will help protect your identity, prevent harm to kids and animals who may come across the medications, and protect the environment from contamination.

Locate a Medicine Take-Back ProgramMedicine take-back programs will safely dispose of medications for you. These are typically free and often part of police departments. To locate one in your community:

• Visit the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ website (http://www.mass.gov/eea/) and put “waste medication kiosks” in the search box at the top of the page. Use the interactive map of disposal locations or download a list of kiosks throughout the state.

• Go to the U.S. Department of Justice Diversion Control Division’s website at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ and click on the “Got Drugs?” button. Search for locations within five to 50 miles of your city or zip code.

• Talk to your pharmacist.

• Call your police department or local board of health.

Other OptionsIf a medicine take-back program is not available in your community, check the information that came with your prescription or over-the-counter medicine for specific instructions.

The Food and Drug Administration provides directions for preparing medications to be thrown in household trash and a list of medications that can be flushed. Visit http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers and search for “how to dispose of unused medicines” or use the link on the right.

Upcoming events

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May 6Kentucky Derby Party Salem Country Club, Peabody www.vnacare.org/derby

May 15New England Coffee Charity Golf Classic Andover Country Club www.newenglandcoffee.com/ golf-tournament September 22More Cool Hot Jazz Needham Golf Club www.vnacare.org/jazz

October 1Step Out for Hospice Walk/RunIrish American Club of Woburn www.vnacare.org/stepout

November 11Heroes in Health Care GalaMandarin Oriental, Boston www.vnacare.org/gala

Fall 2017Anniversary Celebration: 125 Years of Home Health Care in Worcester County20 Years of End-of-Life Care at the Rose Monahan Hospice HomeDetails coming soon.

Please join us at one of our upcoming events. For more information, visit www.vnacare.org/donors, call 888-663-3688, ext. 1361, or email giving@vnacare.org. Your tickets, sponsorship, and auction donations support vital patient care. Thank you for making a difference!

Chemotherapy and anti-cancer drugs require special handling and disposal. Oral chemotherapy should be con-sidered hazardous waste and should not be flushed or thrown away. Return unused medication to the oncology clinic, pharmacy, or community take-back program.

Remove Personal InformationBe sure to remove or scratch out any personal information on the packaging before disposal. This will help protect your identity.

This information is intended for educational purposes only. For medical advice, please contact your health care provider.

Longtime supporter becomes first-time patient, gets back to work with joint replacement programLouise Condon, a longtime supporter of VNA Care, found her first time as a home health care patient to be very educational.

“Now I’ve experienced for myself why everyone’s so happy when staff from VNA Care come to their home,” she said.

Louise, owner of Louise Condon Realty in Needham, recently underwent a total knee replacement. After a brief hospital stay, she went directly home with VNA Care’s Total Joint Replacement Program.

Provided by both VNA Care Network and VNA of Boston, the program focuses on helping individuals recover safely at home after total knee or hip replacement surgery. The care often allows people to bypass a stay at a rehabilitation facility.

The Joint Replacement team includes physical therapists, nurses, and occupational therapists. A personalized care plan, made in consultation with the surgeon, enables patients to get back on their feet and make the transition to outpatient physical therapy.

The team monitored Louise’s healing, taught her exercises and had her walking around her home, and showed her how to safely take care of everyday activities like making the bed and maneuvering around the kitchen. Clinicians also took time to answer her husband Frank’s questions about her health and recovery.

While this was Louise’s first time as a patient, she’s been involved with our nonprofit as a donor, volunteer, and caregiver for more than 20 years. Louise’s friendship with Harriett and Stan Tippett, who championed VNA Care Network’s

Spring 2017

Louise Condon

Longtime supporter becomes first-time patient...continued on p. 6

Fund Development Office 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180 Danvers, MA 01923

VNA Care Network

VNA of Boston

VNA Hospice & Palliative Care

Total Joint Replacement Program takes home gold Modern Healthcare’s Excellence in Nursing Awards recently gave the Gold distinction to the Total Joint Replacement Program Improvement Team, a partnership between Atrius Health and VNA Care.

The team uses highly coordinated, pre- and post-operative care from the physician group and home health agency to enable more people to return home after surgery.

Before the program started, 67% of Atrius Health’s joint replacement patients went to a skilled nursing facility after surgery in 2013. Because of the collaborative effort, this number dropped to 29% in 2015. This is just one of the ways VNA Care and Atrius Health are working together to improve patient care while lowering health care costs.

Milestone Worcester Anniversaries

3Heroes in Health Care Gala

4 7Safely disposing of medications