For more than half a century, VNA has been providing quality home health care in Central Arkansas. VNA was the first organized home health agency in the state, established in 1938 by the Pulaski County Medical Society, Pulaski County Nurses Association, the United Way, and the Junior League of Little Rock.
Today, families are vastly different and much less concerned about the health issues so prevalent in 1938. But because there are new illnesses and greater difficulties associated with getting much-needed healthcare there is still a place for the 70-year-old VNA.
“Our patients still want the comfort of their own homes – just as they did 70 years ago. The difference is the comfort is now DVR television, CDs, video games, whirlpool baths and massage chairs. The comfort of home, with all of its electronic amenities, can have a direct impact on a patient’s recovery. Home offers security and comfort, and most people feel better and heal better with their family surrounding them, in their own home,” said Denise Looker, administrator VNA at St. Vincent.
VNA patients are much more involved in their own health care. Being limited to home – with little access to transportation is still an obstacle for many of them. But unlike the late 1930s, patients today have unlimited access to healthcare information via the Internet. And they’re using it. Some have their own computers, while others depend on help from family members to surf the net. That makes them more informed and increases their expectations of the visiting nurse who takes care of them. They and their families expect the VNA to keep up with technology and healthcare as well.
The VNA clinical staff carries laptops and can access each patient’s information no matter where they are. The Home Health Aide staff is able to dial a toll-free number from each patient’s home to document their time in the home as well as the care they provided. Patients with chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure, are often eligible to receive a telehealth-monitor in their home that allows a nurse in the office to monitor vital signs daily and alert the physician as soon as the patient’s condition changes. “Technology does not, however, replace the care provided by compassionate and competent VNA staff”, Looker added.
About VNA of Arkansas
- VNA makes over 68,000 home visits annually in central Arkansas.
- All home care agencies are not created equal. VNA, for instance, has a volunteer and resource program to meet some of the non-medical needs of home care patients.
- VNA’s focus on excellence has led to quality outcomes as evidenced by our Medicare Home Care Compare scores. VNA scores above the state and national average on a majority of the 12 quality outcomes.
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