Visiting Nurse Association Of Indiana County

The Visiting Nurse Association of Indiana County dba VNA Family Hospice's primary focus is helping individuals to live peacefully, positively, and as fully as possible through caring, not curing. Hospice is not a place, but a concept for healthcare delivery. It focuses on creating a natural and comfortable end-of-life experience for those dealing with a life-limiting illness, all in the comfort of their own home. Whether the goal is relief from pain, desire to experience a meaningful event such as a wedding, the birth of a child, a birthday, resolving unfinished business, or is simply the hope for a restful night sleep, the team at VNA Family Hospice can provide an array of supportive services. These include, but are not limited to: nursing and related services, personal care counseling, companionship, spiritual services and bereavement care. Hospice program patients and bereavement families received services and were provided with 9,507 visits. In addition, hospice volunteers provided 383 direct hours of service - with a dollar value of $11,988 - to program recipients, including support to the family of the hospice patient. The VNA Family Hospice provides bereavement counseling and grief support groups to members of the community grieving the loss of a loved one or friend at no charge. Also, a summer newsletter and bereavement mailings were sent offering spiritual support, coping techniques and education to hospice family members. The 14th annual Concordia-IRMC VNA Butterfly Release was held in in person and as well as a modified drive through style format on August 6th, 2023 at Mack Park, Indiana, PA. This memorial event was open to anyone who wanted to honor and celebrate the memory of their loved ones, whether or not they were on services with VNA Family Hospice or Concordia-IRMC VNA Home Health. 550 butterflies were sold for a donation to the Hospice for families to pick up and release at home or participate in a group release at Mack Park following a short dedication and memorial service. Concordia-IRMC VNA and VNA Family Hospice also continue to offer community grief support to children in need through the Hopeful Hearts program. The mission is to raise awareness of the needs of grieving children and provide programs to address those individuals in need. This was accomplished through a variety of in person group sessions as well as newly initiated school-based programs and collaboration. During fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, Hopeful Hearts served a collective of 10 families encompassing 15 children 11 adults in need. The program is funded through support from Concordia-IRMC VNA and VNA Family Hospice as well as through grants and donations received.