July 2013 / Issue #001 / 3rd Quarter

3440 De Paul Lane, Suite 201Bridgeton, MO 63044

Phone: 314.595.6800Web: vnatip.com

3440 De Paul Lane, Suite 201Bridgeton, MO 63044

Phone: 314.595.6800Web: vnatip.com

Sta� Happenings

Connect with Us!

June 24: This year marked the 161st Macoupin County Fair which began on June 24 and ran through the 29. VNA-TIP HealthCare sta� of the Carlinville o�ce provided free blood pressure screenings on June 26 for the fair’s “Senior Day.”

July 14: The Clinton County Fair had another seven days of excitement for the 62nd annual fair on Sunday, July 14 through 20. VNA-TIP HealthCare sta� participated in the Clinton County Fair Parade on Monday, July 15. The theme was “Country Pride, Country Wide.”

July 26: Clinical Liason, Alechia Sveda attended Family Fun Night at Pinckneyville Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. on behalf of VNA-TIP HealthCare.

August 31: VNA-TIP HealthCare will be supporting the Alzheimer’s Association in a big way this year by participating in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s at Busch Stadium on August 31. We ramped up our e�orts by involving a large company-wide team. Contests, events, giveaways and more aided in raising funds and helped us surpass our goal of $2,000. Fundraising website: act.alz.org/goto/vnatipSee insert for other walks to participate in!

Starlight WishTIP Hospice o�ers the StarLight Wish program that seeks to ful�ll a special wish of a hospice patient. Toby, a Bridgeton hospice patient, is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. Part one of Toby’s wish was presented in the form of a Cardinals themed birthday party at his nursing facility while a day game was on TV. All residents and sta� were invited to celebrate. For part two of the wish the St. Louis Cardinals “stepped up to the plate” and donated a tour of Busch Stadium for Toby, his friends, family and TIP sta� that included the opportunity to watch batting practice! Thanks to everyone who made this happy celebration possible.

Service Awards Luncheon On March 27, VNA-TIP HealthCare celebrated and recognized 93 employees who have been with the company for 3, 5, 10 and 15 years during the annual Service Awards Luncheon. Lunch and an awards ceremony was held at Lotawata Creek Southern Grill in Fairview Heights, IL. Employees were honored with plaques, pins and certi�cates.

Teamwork&

Excellence

Plan. Prevent. Protect. -Flu Facts

Focusing On HealthCare Everyday

Back To Basics With Home Safety

Pain Awareness

Vaccination Clinics & Walk-Ins

We Support Alzheimer’s Awareness

Sta� Spotlight

The Latest News

THE LATEST NEWS

Branch Events

Look for our ad in the St. Louis Cardinals GameDay Magazine!

Centralia Hospice

Mt. Carmel Hospice

Carlinville HomeCare

Carlinville Hospice

Belleville HomeCare

July 1998

September 2003

August 2005

July 2005

September 2007

15 YEARS

10 YEARS

8 YEARS

8 YEARS

5 YEARS

Branch Anniversaries

IN THIS ISSUE

Quarterly Newsletter For Our Patients, Families, And Communities

MT. CARMEL

STARLIGHT WISH

CLINTON COUNTY PARADE

FARMINGTON PARADE

Immunization Quick Facts

Immunizations prevent

deaths per year

child deaths are caused by pneumonia

1 in 5

2-3MILLION

Flu season peaks in January or February and can occur as late as May

Last year Americans missed 70 million workdays due to the flu

Immunizations work by strengthening the body’s own immune

system

25 26 27 28

Plan. Prevent. Protect.

200,000+ annual hospitalizations

are from flu-related complications

59% of home surfaces can be contaminated

with the flu virus

VNA-TIP HealthCare understands the importance of your

health, so we’ve created a program to help educate our

patients, families and communities on healthcare related

topics for everyday use.

HealthCare 365 supports a national healthcare “theme” for

every month of the year, which are all listed in our sta�

calendar. July is “UV Safety Awareness Month;” a great time

to share the message of sun, fun and UV safety to the

community. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of

skin cancer and can also damage eyes. You can take these

steps to help prevent skin cancer:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when UV rays are most powerful)

• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher

• Cover up and wear a hat

Through the “Living Balanced” program, VNA-TIP

HomeCare’s team of experts works closely with a patient’s

physician to provide a customized plan of care which will

move patients toward independence. Our sta� of home

health professionals are available to o�er in-home safety

assessments to help ensure the safety of a loved one or

partner.

September is National Pain Awareness Month. The purpose of the campaign is to promote education, advocacy and awareness and to also improve e�ective pain management options. As providers of pain management in a hospice setting, TIP Hospice utilizes extensive tools and knowledge to manage a patient’s pain while attempting to minimize side e�ects. Pain is assessed at the beginning and end of each visit; where patients can use TIP Hospice’s “Pain Ruler” tool to help identify their pain. Clinicians also pay close attention to the site or sites of pain on the patient’s body. The pain ruler or Flacc Scale are particularly useful tools for non-verbal patients to identify their level of pain. At a level “3” or above on the pain ruler, TIP Hospice clinicians follow up with patients within 24 hours by visit or phone call to assess treatment e�ectiveness. TIP Hospice clinicians also utilize the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pain Relief Ladder, which systematically helps health care providers to manage patient pain. The ladder is a three-step model which guides patients through medications to control their pain without over-medicating. Sometimes medications, such as

HEALTHCARE 365: Focusing On HealthCare Everyday

TEAM OF DIRECTORS VNA-TIP HOMECARE: Back To Basics With Home Safety

TIP HOSPICE: Recognizes September As Pain Awareness Month

SUZY WINEBARGER

LIZ LANDRETH

SUSAN MORGAN

SARA EGGERING

MARCY COX

PAULA RAYMOND

SHARON BILLINGSLEY

ROBINE CARRON

MARK HORTON

SANDY LERCZAK

NICOLE BREWER

President

Executive Vice President

Director of TIP Hospice

Regional Director of Missouri HomeCare

Director of Vaccinations & Private Duty

Director of Administration

Director of HR & Payroll

Director of Billing & Collections

Director of Business Development

Business Development Manager

Creative Director

Summer is upon us and that means back-to-school

activities are right around the corner. While families may

be busy preparing children for a new school year, safety

within the home for patients living with loved ones should

also be a top priority. For many homecare patients, the

threat of falling is a serious concern. Factors such as

decreased muscle tone and eyesight, tripping hazards and

side-e�ects from prescription drugs should all be

considered when dealing with patient safety.

TIPS TO REMEMBER:Arrange furniture to create clear pathways between rooms to decrease the chances of a fall or injury.

•

• Use non-skid mats in and around the tub or shower, along with handrails strategically placed near the bath tub or toilet, to help prevent bathroom related injuries.

• Is there appropriate lighting for night time? Keep a lamp close to the bed or nightlights in key locations to help prevent falls.

• Use double-sided adhesive tape or rubber matting on the backs of rugs to help prevent an injury.

To schedule a home safety assessment:call: 800.642.6099 | visit: vnatip.com

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and TIP Hospice

recognizes the need to understand the facts about

Alzheimer’s disease and expel the myths. One

misconception, (listed on TIP Hospice’s “10 Misconceptions

about Alzheimer’s Disease” �yer), is that Alzheimer’s Disease

only a�ects “older people.” The fact is that the �rst person

discovered to have the disease was only 51-years-old and

rare, inherited forms of the disease can strike people as young

as in their 30’s.

Getting the facts straight on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, as

well as UV safety precautions and vaccinations, are just a few

of the things VNA-TIP HealthCare does to ensure expert,

quality care for patients.

As August approaches, don’t forget about vaccinations! [Look

for more information about VNA-TIP HealthCare

immunizations on the insert.]

NSAIDs, anti-depressants or steroids combined with pain medications can combat patient pain without increasing the pain medication dosage. By integrating tools, following a process to assess and treat pain and specialized pain knowledge, TIP Hospice works with the patient and family to relieve discomfort with a systematic approach to ensure proper treatment. The goal is to reduce and stabilize pain symptoms and improve the quality of life, which is achieved through an individualized treatment plan. There is not a blanket approach to pain management, especially in hospice care. Providing information and choices to patients and families is important to clinicians. TIP Hospice is dedicated to patient safety and makes every e�ort to deliver excellent pain management care from a sta� of professionals. Since 1978, TIP Hospice has been committed to preserving the quality and integrity of life and remains dedicated to nurturing and caring for patients as well as their families.

As summer ends, caregiver’s focus may shift to children

returning to school or other fall activities. Home health

patients may experience “empty nest” syndrome when a

home that has been lively and busy for the summer

months becomes quiet again. Volunteering can be the

perfect outlet for patients who are able and wish to

begin a new start of their own.

Immunization Quick Facts

Immunizations prevent

deaths per year

child deaths are caused by pneumonia

1 in 5

2-3MILLION

Flu season peaks in January or February and can occur as late as May

Last year Americans missed 70 million workdays due to the flu

Immunizations work by strengthening the body’s own immune

system

25 26 27 28

Plan. Prevent. Protect.

200,000+ annual hospitalizations

are from flu-related complications

59% of home surfaces can be contaminated

with the flu virus

VNA-TIP HealthCare understands the importance of your

health, so we’ve created a program to help educate our

patients, families and communities on healthcare related

topics for everyday use.

HealthCare 365 supports a national healthcare “theme” for

every month of the year, which are all listed in our sta�

calendar. July is “UV Safety Awareness Month;” a great time

to share the message of sun, fun and UV safety to the

community. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of

skin cancer and can also damage eyes. You can take these

steps to help prevent skin cancer:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when UV rays are most powerful)

• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher

• Cover up and wear a hat

Through the “Living Balanced” program, VNA-TIP

HomeCare’s team of experts works closely with a patient’s

physician to provide a customized plan of care which will

move patients toward independence. Our sta� of home

health professionals are available to o�er in-home safety

assessments to help ensure the safety of a loved one or

partner.

September is National Pain Awareness Month. The purpose of the campaign is to promote education, advocacy and awareness and to also improve e�ective pain management options. As providers of pain management in a hospice setting, TIP Hospice utilizes extensive tools and knowledge to manage a patient’s pain while attempting to minimize side e�ects. Pain is assessed at the beginning and end of each visit; where patients can use TIP Hospice’s “Pain Ruler” tool to help identify their pain. Clinicians also pay close attention to the site or sites of pain on the patient’s body. The pain ruler or Flacc Scale are particularly useful tools for non-verbal patients to identify their level of pain. At a level “3” or above on the pain ruler, TIP Hospice clinicians follow up with patients within 24 hours by visit or phone call to assess treatment e�ectiveness. TIP Hospice clinicians also utilize the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Pain Relief Ladder, which systematically helps health care providers to manage patient pain. The ladder is a three-step model which guides patients through medications to control their pain without over-medicating. Sometimes medications, such as

HEALTHCARE 365: Focusing On HealthCare Everyday

TEAM OF DIRECTORS VNA-TIP HOMECARE: Back To Basics With Home Safety

TIP HOSPICE: Recognizes September As Pain Awareness Month

SUZY WINEBARGER

LIZ LANDRETH

SUSAN MORGAN

SARA EGGERING

MARCY COX

PAULA RAYMOND

SHARON BILLINGSLEY

ROBINE CARRON

MARK HORTON

SANDY LERCZAK

NICOLE BREWER

President

Executive Vice President

Director of TIP Hospice

Regional Director of Missouri HomeCare

Director of Vaccinations & Private Duty

Director of Administration

Director of HR & Payroll

Director of Billing & Collections

Director of Business Development

Business Development Manager

Creative Director

Summer is upon us and that means back-to-school

activities are right around the corner. While families may

be busy preparing children for a new school year, safety

within the home for patients living with loved ones should

also be a top priority. For many homecare patients, the

threat of falling is a serious concern. Factors such as

decreased muscle tone and eyesight, tripping hazards and

side-e�ects from prescription drugs should all be

considered when dealing with patient safety.

TIPS TO REMEMBER:Arrange furniture to create clear pathways between rooms to decrease the chances of a fall or injury.

•

• Use non-skid mats in and around the tub or shower, along with handrails strategically placed near the bath tub or toilet, to help prevent bathroom related injuries.

• Is there appropriate lighting for night time? Keep a lamp close to the bed or nightlights in key locations to help prevent falls.

• Use double-sided adhesive tape or rubber matting on the backs of rugs to help prevent an injury.

To schedule a home safety assessment:call: 800.642.6099 | visit: vnatip.com

September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and TIP Hospice

recognizes the need to understand the facts about

Alzheimer’s disease and expel the myths. One

misconception, (listed on TIP Hospice’s “10 Misconceptions

about Alzheimer’s Disease” �yer), is that Alzheimer’s Disease

only a�ects “older people.” The fact is that the �rst person

discovered to have the disease was only 51-years-old and

rare, inherited forms of the disease can strike people as young

as in their 30’s.

Getting the facts straight on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, as

well as UV safety precautions and vaccinations, are just a few

of the things VNA-TIP HealthCare does to ensure expert,

quality care for patients.

As August approaches, don’t forget about vaccinations! [Look

for more information about VNA-TIP HealthCare

immunizations on the insert.]

NSAIDs, anti-depressants or steroids combined with pain medications can combat patient pain without increasing the pain medication dosage. By integrating tools, following a process to assess and treat pain and specialized pain knowledge, TIP Hospice works with the patient and family to relieve discomfort with a systematic approach to ensure proper treatment. The goal is to reduce and stabilize pain symptoms and improve the quality of life, which is achieved through an individualized treatment plan. There is not a blanket approach to pain management, especially in hospice care. Providing information and choices to patients and families is important to clinicians. TIP Hospice is dedicated to patient safety and makes every e�ort to deliver excellent pain management care from a sta� of professionals. Since 1978, TIP Hospice has been committed to preserving the quality and integrity of life and remains dedicated to nurturing and caring for patients as well as their families.

As summer ends, caregiver’s focus may shift to children

returning to school or other fall activities. Home health

patients may experience “empty nest” syndrome when a

home that has been lively and busy for the summer

months becomes quiet again. Volunteering can be the

perfect outlet for patients who are able and wish to

begin a new start of their own.

We o�er the following vaccinations:• Flu• Pneumonia• Tetanus

Busch StadiumSaturday, August 31, 2013

700 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 631028 am: Registration | 9 am: Walk begins

SIUESaturday, September 28, 2013

650-699 Harpin Drive, Edwardsville, IL 620268 am: Registration | 9 am: Walk begins

Carbondale Community High SchoolSaturday, October 12, 2013

1301 East Walnut Street, Carbondale, IL 629018 am: Check in & Festivities | 10 am: Walk Kickoff

Southwind Park - Hope Picnic Shelter Saturday, September 21, 2013

South Second Street & Southwind Road, Springfield, IL 627038 am: Check in & Festivities | 10 am: Walk Kickoff

VACCINATION CLINICS & WALK-INSAugust is National Immunization Awareness Month!

Immunizations (or vaccinations) aren’t just for babies or

young children. Parents, college-age students, seniors and

healthcare workers can prepare for the upcoming flu season

by staying up-to-date with their immunizations. Experts at

VNA-TIP HealthCare can bring a Vaccination/Prevention

clinic to businesses and organizations in the community.

• TB Testing• Zoster (Shingles)• Hepatitis A & B

For vaccination sites, VNA-TIP provides all marketing materials, consent forms, receipts, syringes, sharps containers, emergency reaction kits and other supplies. Nurses and staff at the clinics are expertly trained and

phone: 800.642.6099 and press ‘3’ for vaccinations

web: vnatip.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Walk-ins are also welcome at branch locations

from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. beginning in September.[ [

VNA-TIP IS JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S

Support the cause!

WILL YOU?

available to assist with all necessary tasks. VNA-TIP HealthCare can also provide in-home flu and pneumonia vaccinations for those who are unable to leave the home. Vaccinations are available at our 30+ branch locations in MO and IL.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: VNA-TIP HealthCare is a company full of bright stars. From clinicians to HR to IT, each employee plays an integral role in the company’s success. Here are a few employees who personify VNA-TIP’s dedication to “Teamwork and Excellence.”

Danielle has been with VNA-TIP HealthCare since July 2012. Always willing

to help, Danielle offers assistance to anyone who may need it. She has

trained new employees who express how great of a teacher she is. She truly

demonstrates exceptional professionalism and team work.

Lori Schmoll works as a Volunteer Coordinator for TIP Hospice in the

Bridgeton office and has been with the company for five years. She holds a

B.A. in Psychology from UMSL and also has completed courses in

Gerontology at Washington University. Lori is central to several TIP Hospice

programs, including the “You Are Not Alone” (YANA) vigil program, whose

mission is to serve as a companion for patients that are transitioning through

the dying process. She is also a member of TIP Tones, an ensemble that

brings music to nursing homes.

Cheryl has been with the Cairo office for nearly two years and she has proven

herself as an extremely valuable asset. As office clerical work has increased,

multitasking is normal for Cheryl, which is demonstrated through her

proficiency. She is always willing to go the extra mile without complaint. If there

are tasks to be done, Cheryl is proactive; without being asked, she will complete

them. The staff thinks very highly of Cheryl and appreciates all she does.

“

”

Danielle KoettingHomeCare RN, Breese

Lori SchmollVolunteer Coordinator

Cheryl JonesAdministrative, Cairo

Hospice – Bridgeton

HomeCare – Cairo

HomeCare – Breese

July 2013 / Issue #001 / 3rd Quarter

3440 De Paul Lane, Suite 201Bridgeton, MO 63044

Phone: 314.595.6800Web: vnatip.com

3440 De Paul Lane, Suite 201Bridgeton, MO 63044

Phone: 314.595.6800Web: vnatip.com

Sta� Happenings

Connect with Us!

June 24: This year marked the 161st Macoupin County Fair which began on June 24 and ran through the 29. VNA-TIP HealthCare sta� of the Carlinville o�ce provided free blood pressure screenings on June 26 for the fair’s “Senior Day.”

July 14: The Clinton County Fair had another seven days of excitement for the 62nd annual fair on Sunday, July 14 through 20. VNA-TIP HealthCare sta� participated in the Clinton County Fair Parade on Monday, July 15. The theme was “Country Pride, Country Wide.”

July 26: Clinical Liason, Alechia Sveda attended Family Fun Night at Pinckneyville Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. on behalf of VNA-TIP HealthCare.

August 31: VNA-TIP HealthCare will be supporting the Alzheimer’s Association in a big way this year by participating in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s at Busch Stadium on August 31. We ramped up our e�orts by involving a large company-wide team. Contests, events, giveaways and more aided in raising funds and helped us surpass our goal of $2,000. Fundraising website: act.alz.org/goto/vnatipSee insert for other walks to participate in!

Starlight WishTIP Hospice o�ers the StarLight Wish program that seeks to ful�ll a special wish of a hospice patient. Toby, a Bridgeton hospice patient, is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan. Part one of Toby’s wish was presented in the form of a Cardinals themed birthday party at his nursing facility while a day game was on TV. All residents and sta� were invited to celebrate. For part two of the wish the St. Louis Cardinals “stepped up to the plate” and donated a tour of Busch Stadium for Toby, his friends, family and TIP sta� that included the opportunity to watch batting practice! Thanks to everyone who made this happy celebration possible.

Service Awards Luncheon On March 27, VNA-TIP HealthCare celebrated and recognized 93 employees who have been with the company for 3, 5, 10 and 15 years during the annual Service Awards Luncheon. Lunch and an awards ceremony was held at Lotawata Creek Southern Grill in Fairview Heights, IL. Employees were honored with plaques, pins and certi�cates.

Teamwork&

Excellence

Plan. Prevent. Protect. -Flu Facts

Focusing On HealthCare Everyday

Back To Basics With Home Safety

Pain Awareness

Vaccination Clinics & Walk-Ins

We Support Alzheimer’s Awareness

Sta� Spotlight

The Latest News

THE LATEST NEWS

Branch Events

Look for our ad in the St. Louis Cardinals GameDay Magazine!

Centralia Hospice

Mt. Carmel Hospice

Carlinville HomeCare

Carlinville Hospice

Belleville HomeCare

July 1998

September 2003

August 2005

July 2005

September 2007

15 YEARS

10 YEARS

8 YEARS

8 YEARS

5 YEARS

Branch Anniversaries

IN THIS ISSUE

Quarterly Newsletter For Our Patients, Families, And Communities

MT. CARMEL

STARLIGHT WISH

CLINTON COUNTY PARADE

FARMINGTON PARADE