On August 17 the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is celebrating National Thrift Store Day and National Nonprofit Day – Did you know all proceeds from our VNA Hidden Treasures Thrift Store benefit our Hospice program, a VNA & Hospice Foundation supported program providing optimal end-of-life care for residents of Indian River. The VNA & Hospice Foundation was formed to provide financial support for the many programs and services provided by the VNA of the Treasure Coast, a non-profit providing patients and caregivers with home health, hospice and community health services of the highest quality regardless of their ability to pay, ensuring healthcare equality for all.

Programs supported by the VNA & Hospice Foundation include:

Bereavement Services: These services include counselors, chaplains, social workers and music therapists who provide support and guidance for patients and families who are affected by a life-limiting illness.

Camp Chrysalis: For a child, the loss of a loved one can be devastating and understanding the feelings that come afterwards can be confusing. VNA’s Camp Chrysalis, a bereavement-focused camp, offers a way for children who have experienced a death to better understand and cope with their emotions.

Charitable Care: Our talented home health team tailors every patient’s plan of care to their specific needs including the uninsured and underinsured. Almost 50 years ago, a dedicated group of people made a promise to provide care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and through our philanthropic partners our Charitable Care program makes that possible.

The VNA Hospice House: Recently renovated, the VNA Hospice House provides 24/7 care for patients whose symptoms cannot be managed at home in an elegant yet cozy setting.

Telehealth (Remote Patient Monitoring): Remote patient monitoring is a popular type of telehealth that allows patients to monitor their daily health at home utilizing easy-to-use technology that relays their personal information to a clinician’s office. If there’s anything “off,” the appropriate health care workers will be alerted. This allows providers to manage acute and chronic conditions from ‘afar,’ which cuts down on infection risk and helps reduce hospital readmissions – not only keeping healthcare costs down but reducing patient stress.

Community Health Services: Through the generous support of the Indian River County Hospital District, and the Indian River Community Foundation, the VNA Mobile Health Clinic goes into neighborhoods throughout our community to bring affordable healthcare to those who are under or uninsured. Advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) aboard the VNA Mobile Health Clinic can examine, diagnose and prescribe medications for minor, non-urgent illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, sore throats, earaches and minor cuts. Health screening and health education workshops are also offered throughout our community at local organizations and residential communities in a group setting thanks to our Community Health Services program.

Music Therapy: Board-certified music therapists provide music therapy to hospice patients and the community through local collaborative efforts. Patients and their families can listen, enjoy music or participate actively by singing or playing instruments. Benefits of music therapy include increased relaxation, reduced pain, reduced anxiety and cognitive improvements.

These VNA & Hospice Foundation-supported services are vital to our community, and we couldn’t offer them without the help of our benefactors. If you’d like to aid us in our mission to provide optimal healthcare – and more – to all in Indian River County, please visit the VNA & Hospice Foundation’s website at vnatc.org/waystogive/. To support Hospice, consider donating your gently used household item to Hidden Treasures Thrift Store or shop in Hidden Treasures today and enjoy amazing sales on everything from fashionable attire to beautiful home décor. And last but not least, Happy National Nonprofit and National Thrift Store day!

*To learn more about the VNA & Hospice Foundation and how you can support it, please visit vnatc.org.